"Examining Our Oral Obsession": London exhibition delves into our preoccupation with mouths, spanning Freudian psychology to classic fairytales

In the heart of east London, the Rose Easton gallery is currently hosting the intriguing group show, "Yay, to Have a Mouth!". This unique exhibition, running until the 29th of March 2025, is a collaborative effort between Rose Easton gallery and Ginny on Frederick.

The show delves into an ongoing obsession with the mouth and its various roles, presenting a diverse range of approaches to oral history and storytelling. Freddie Powell, founder of Ginny on Frederick, notes that the show features artists who are not usually part of either of their programs. Among these artists are Jenkin van Zyl, Rebecca Ackroyd, Gabriella Boyd, Sylvie Fleury, Michael Ho, Phillip Gabriel, Sang Woo Kim, R.I.P. Germain, Hannah Murray, I.W. Payne, Mike Silva, and Barbara Wesołowska.

Jenkin van Zyl's works in the show teeter on the line between body horror and unbridled ecstasy, similar to the overall theme of the exhibition. His cake heads in fridges, previously mentioned in the show, fall on the grotesque spectrum. Van Zyl's new work in the show occupies a space between something humorous and grotesque.

Hannah Murray's Miss Golden depicts a woman elegantly clutching a cigarette, symbolizing an oral addiction. Maggi Hambling's Prelude (2000) is also part of the show, depicting a series of grinning teeth melting into flesh.

The show explores the complexity of the mouth, including infant psychological development and the dissemination of language and storytelling. Easton began thinking about the many different roles of the mouth after speaking with Ho about language and the dissemination of oral histories. The exhibition presents works that teeter on a fine line between body horror and unbridled ecstasy, with moments of humor woven throughout.

The 'Yay, to Have a Mouth!' show continues to draw out a host of emotions and gut reactions, celebrating and delving into a fixation that many of us retain into adulthood. Easton and Powell, both known for their light touch and humor woven through their programs, have curated a show that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Visitors to the Rose Easton gallery are encouraged to immerse themselves in this intriguing exploration of the mouth and its various roles. The 'Yay, to Have a Mouth!' group show promises to be an unforgettable experience.

"Examining Our Oral Obsession": London exhibition delves into our preoccupation with mouths, spanning Freudian psychology to classic fairytales