Above David Shrigley, Untitled, 2020, ink on paper. Courtesy David Shrigley and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London
Above Regarding Forests Hoh Rain Forest 3 Olympic National Park 2019. Chrystel Lebas
Above English folding almanac in Latin, c.1415-1420. Wellcome Collection
Above Joy Inside Our Tears, 2021, Harold Offeh
Above David Shrigley, Untitled, 2020, ink on paper. Courtesy David Shrigley and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London
Above Regarding Forests Hoh Rain Forest 3 Olympic National Park 2019. Chrystel Lebas
Above English folding almanac in Latin, c.1415-1420. Wellcome Collection
On Happiness
Wellcome Collection
15 July 2021 — 27 February 2022
What is happiness? What makes you feel good? How can you create happy feelings? These complex questions are the subject of a new season of free events, activities and exhibitions at London’s Wellcome Collection.
After a year of rising levels of anxiety, depression, stress and uncertainty, this new programme asks how we might rebuild our sense of happiness, while reflecting on the connections between these complex emotions, our bodies and health. It will also explore the ways in which people find resilience, hope and joy in times of hardship.
The two free exhibitions — Tranquillity and Joy — bring together voices from across the cultural, scientific and spiritual fields to explore happiness in all its forms. Tranquillity centres on feelings of contentment, serenity, peace and balance, while Joy looks at heightened emotional states such as ecstasy, euphoria and pleasure.
You’ll encounter historic objects from Wellcome’s collection, newly commissioned works and multi-sensory installations. Relax in a yoga studio created by Jasleen Kaur before scoping out new works by Amalia Pica and David Shrigley which address themes of resilience, humour and hope. For a deeper dive, plug into Wellcome’s five-part podcast series exploring how emotion affects our lives and culture in unexpected ways. After such a rollercoaster year, On Happiness is sure to put a smile on your face. Need we say more?