Viewing Sophie Taeuber-Arp at Tate Modern

For a dose of mesmerising art, see Sophie Taeuber-Arp at Tate Modern, the first major UK exhibition of the abstract artist to date. Born in 1889, Taeuber-Arp carved out a career as a painter, architect, teacher, writer, and designer of textiles, marionettes and interiors in a time when women in the industry were often overshadowed. Now she is little-known outside of art world circles. This show aims to change that.

Bringing together over 200 objects from across her career, this magnificent new survey reveals her to be one of the most innovative artists and designers of the 20th-century avant-garde. Her vivid, geometric compositions and embroideries are shown alongside decorative works, spanning textiles, jewellery, rugs, interior design and more.

A key member of the Zurich Dada, Taeuber-Arp also explored performance art, dancing at the legendary Cabaret Voltaire and creating marionettes for the avant-garde interpretation of the play ‘King Stag’. These are on display alongside the splendid interior design commission for the Aubette, a modernist entertainment complex in Strasbourg, created in collaboration with her husband, the artist and poet Jean (Hans) Arp, and Theo Van Doesburg. It’s gratifying that she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves. An eye-opener, for sure.