Friends in Love and War - L'Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es inaugurates the British Council's Spotlight on Culture 2024 Together We Imagine programme. Premiering at macLYON before moving to the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, the exhibition explores the theme of friendship and the intricate bonds that tie France and the UK. It showcases works by over 20 artists from the British Council Collection and macLYON.
Based on mutual trust and affection, friendships are among our most cherished relationships. With friends, we share life experiences, broaden our horizons, and collectively shape our futures. Yet, the nature of friendship is challenging to define. How do we choose our friends? How do society, politics, culture, and social media influence friendships? As trusted critics, friends have the potential to hurt us. Do the shared secrets among friends make them natural enemies?
Taking place in the partner cities of Lyon and Birmingham, the exhibition also delves into diplomatic friendships and how, in a post-Brexit climate, regional capitals and cultural institutions can foster new ways of living and working together. It encompasses painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, film, textile, sculpture, and installation, showcasing both existing and new works by artists with longstanding connections to each city.
Our Collection, which has no permanent gallery, is globally accessible through digital networks and showcases over 9000 works by some of the UK's most celebrated artists. Since its inauguration in 1938, our aim with this 'Museum without Walls' has been to inspire new international collaborations, partnerships, and artistic exchanges across countries.
By supporting the new collaboration between macLYON and Ikon Gallery and lending works from our British Council Collection, we aim to strengthen links between the British and French cultural sectors and connect emerging talents from the United Kingdom with a network of partners and cultural professionals in France.
Alongside works from the British Council Collection and macLYON, the exhibition will present works by specially invited artists with longstanding ties to Lyon and Birmingham.
Join us at this inaugural exhibition, curated by Marilou Laneuville, in charge of exhibitions and publications at macLYON, and Melanie Pocock, interim artistic director and exhibitions at Ikon. As we delve into the complex and multifaceted links of friendship that unite France and the United Kingdom, fostering the development of new connections.
