The first comprehensive solo exhibition of Irish artist Isabel Nolan’s work in the UK to date
This major touring exhibition comes at a significant moment in Nolan’s career as she represents Ireland at the 61st Venice Biennale (until 22 November 2026).
This much overdue UK survey (her first UK solo show since 2017) encompasses works from 2005 up to 2025, and includes painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, photography and tapestry.
Launching at Southwark Park Galleries, London, on 15 August – 1 November 2026 it then travels to Bluecoat, Liverpool in 2027.
Nolan’s powerful work makes the case that art can go beyond merely documenting the world, asking us also to look to our place in the universe. Her interest in a variety of viewpoints; historical, scientific, and the spiritual offers a sweeping perspective beyond our present situation.
Using traditional materials such as painting, steel, pencil and textile, Nolan’s work confronts the viewer with a rich aesthetic and urges them to think beyond the here and now, and to look to the vastness of the cosmos.
Some fundamental forces is generously supported by Culture Ireland, the Paul & Louise Cooke Endowment, Henry Moore Foundation, Arts Council England, and the Southwark Park Galleries’ Donor Circle (Sarah Elson, Bob Pain, Sigrún Davídsdóttir, Kerlin Gallery).
The exhibition will continue at Bluecoat, Liverpool (28 January – 3 May 2027) launching their centenary programme, celebrating their status as the UK’s first art centre, preceding the Liverpool Biennial 2027.
In the Salter Space is Taiwanese artist DanFong Wang with her first UK solo exhibition that draws on feminist theory and cultural rituals to explore female labour, the body and spiritual transformation.
DanFong was selected by independent curator A—Z (Anne Duffau) as the winner of our 41st Annual Open in 2025, London’s longest-running democratic exhibition and a rare opportunity for all artists at any stage of their career to submit work without a selection criteria.
The Frieze weekend kicks off with an exciting ‘In Conversation’ with Isabel Nolan and Southwark Park Galleries’ Director Judith Carlton on Friday 16 October, 4-5pm.
Discussing works made over two decades, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, text and textiles, this walking in-conversation comes at a significant moment in Nolan’s career as she represents Ireland at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
Southwark Park Galleries, Southwark Park, SE16 2UA until November 1st.
Full details: https://southwarkparkgalleries.org/isabel-nolan/
