{"id":93361,"date":"2026-04-23T12:31:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T11:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.modernartoxford.org.uk\/cms\/?p=93361"},"modified":"2026-04-23T12:36:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T11:36:20","slug":"two-new-major-exhibitions-coming-to-modern-art-oxford-kira-freije-olivia-plender","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.modernartoxford.org.uk\/cms\/two-new-major-exhibitions-coming-to-modern-art-oxford-kira-freije-olivia-plender\/","title":{"rendered":"Two New Major Exhibitions Coming to Modern Art Oxford: Kira Freije and Olivia Plender"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We are delighted to announce two major exhibitions sharing our Upper Gallery spaces this spring. From 23 May to 16 August, Kira Freije presents Unspeak the Chorus<\/em> and Olivia Plender presents Little Fennel\u2019s Complaint<\/em>. One ticket gives you access to both exhibitions, so you can experience both artists\u2019 work in a single visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marking our 60th Anniversary year, these exhibitions bring together bold new work and experimental approaches, reflecting Oxford\u2019s unique historical, intellectual and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Installation image of Kira Freije: Unspeak the Chorus<\/em>, The Hepworth Wakefield,
November 2025. Photo: Lewis Ronald<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nominated for the 2026 Turner Prize<\/a>, Unspeak the Chorus<\/a><\/em> is the first major UK solo exhibition by Kira Freije, co-commissioned with The Hepworth Wakefield, in collaboration with KINDL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life-size, hand-welded metal figures – alongside animals and textiles – transform the space into an immersive, emotionally charged environment. Intimate groupings suggest fragments of connection, care and grief, inviting your own interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Quietly compelling sculptures\u2026bringing new life to the art world” – British Vogue
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Olivia Plender, title TBC, 2026, Embroidered Textile 3. \u00a9 Olivia Plender, courtesy Maureen Paley, London<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In Upper Galleries 2 & 3, Little Fennel\u2019s Complaint<\/a> <\/em>is an ambitious new commission by Olivia Plender \u2013 her first UK institutional solo presentation since 2013.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plender explores historic and ongoing inequalities in women\u2019s healthcare, from early modern witchcraft to contemporary debates on reproductive rights and medical authority. Across embroidered textiles, watercolours, drawings, mobiles, and sound works, she examines how women\u2019s healthcare has been recorded, classified, and practised over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

In the grim context of our present moment, Plender\u2019s research into feminist histories fit to be celebrated and calls to self-organise feel shockingly radical and urgent.’ – Frieze <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n
One Ticket, Two Exhibitions – Pre-Book Now <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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