Guiseppe Penone Art Exhibition at Serpentine South

Giuseppe Penone's exhibition at the Serpentine South Gallery, Kensington Gardens, "Giuseppe Penone: Thoughts in the Roots," offers a comprehensive look at the acclaimed Arte Povera artist's half-century career. Running until September 7, 2025, the show delves into Penone's enduring fascination with the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world, a core theme expressed through his use of organic and traditional materials.

The exhibition uniquely extends beyond the gallery, with monumental sculptures integrated into Kensington Gardens. Visitors can encounter towering bronze tree forms, like "Albero folgorato (Thunderstruck Tree)," and works from the "Idee di pietra (Ideas of Stone)" series, where trees balance large river stones. Inside the gallery, Penone's diverse practice is highlighted through installations such as "Respirare l'ombra (To Breathe the Shadow)," an immersive room lined with laurel leaves, and the evocative "Alberi libro (Book Trees)," showcasing carved tree trunks resembling open books.

"Thoughts in the Roots" serves as a powerful testament to Penone's ability to reveal the hidden structures and rhythms of nature. Through his meticulous craftsmanship and profound concepts, the exhibition invites audiences to reflect on the delicate yet profound connections between artistic creation and the natural environment. Admission is free, with timed slots recommended for entry.

Adjacent to the Serpentine South Gallery, is the Play Pavilion, a vibrant and interactive installation designed by British architect Sir Peter Cook in collaboration with the LEGO Group. This temporary structure, which opened on June 11, 2025, to mark World Play Day, is intended as a free and inclusive space for all ages to engage with play and creativity.

The Serpentine Galleries also host an annual Serpentine Pavilion, a temporary architectural commission by a leading international architect who has not previously built in the UK. For 2025, the Serpentine Pavilion, titled "A Capsule in Time," is designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum.