Barbitorium: translucent halls of the human condition

22.1 barbican

London is renowned, more often than not, as being affected by rain, fog and cloud all year round. A type of weather that brings out our vulnerabilities; blurring our vision, muffles our hearing and cooling our skin. Yet despite the imprecision of our senses, it is during these moments of ambiguity that is when we stop and experience our surroundings the most. Inspired by this obscure and ambiguous weather of London and Orhan Pamuk’s Museum of Innocence, the Barbitorium is an active re-interpretation of the equally complex figures residing in the Barbican Estate. In line with Pamuk’s manifesto,

‘...the stories of individuals are much better suited to displaying the depths of our humanity.’ - Orhan Pamuk

The Barbitorium recognizes one nominated Barbicanian tri-annually. Through the vision of invited artists, guests become acquainted with our nominated patron. From the macro of their height, gender, posture, down to the micro, a slight of an eyebrow, crinkled nose, hand as a fist.

The Barbitorium stands to celebrate the individuality of observation, thought and perception.

Christine Chen