Viewing Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster at The Serpentine

Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster has been exploring the artistic possibilities of science-fiction, outer space and alien life for more than 20 years. The resulting projects, which include Cosmodrome at Le Consortium in 2001 and Martian Dreams Ensemble at GFZK in 2018, have brought her both critical and commercial success.

Opening this week at Serpentine South is Alienarium 5, the artist’s first major institutional solo show in the UK since TH.2058 at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in 2008. Conceived specifically for Serpentine, and installed across the gallery’s internal and external spaces, it brings together mostly new works that engage the senses and ask us to imagine what alien encounters might be like.

As you meander around Serpentine’s gardens, you’ll see an alien sculpture made by Gonzalez-Foerster in collaboration with the writer and philosopher Paul B. Preciado and a new soundscape created in collaboration with the musician Julien Perez.

The space inside the galleries has been transformed into an immersive, multi-sensory environment, featuring a 360-degree panorama, a scent collaboration with Barnabé Fillion of Arpa Studios and a new multi-user VR piece that contemplates alternative forms of connection through extra-terrestrial embodiment. Expect other worldly experiences left, right and centre.