Barbara Kruger at Serpentine South

Barbara Kruger returns to London for her first solo show in over 20 years with THINKING OF YOU. I MEAN ME. I MEAN YOU. at London's Serpentine Gallery.

Communicating with the viewer through brief statements or phrases in bold, sans-serif fonts such as Futura Bold or Helvetica Ultra Compressed, the artist presents us with headlines displayed against stark red or black backgrounds, creating a sense of immediacy, of urgency. Kruger's work explores themes such as power, authority, capital, and gender, to name a few, and is instantly recognisable. The Supreme logo? Inspired by Barbara Kruger.

This show also sees some of Kruger's work from earlier iconic pieces adapted into video; throughout the gallery you can hear snippets of soundscapes which, coupled with the text, means the words feel almost embedded in one's brain, akin to the ways in which advertisements are designed to become embedded in our minds.

Descartes' famous 'I think therefore I am' is altered to become 'I shop therefore I am' (1987), raising questions about consumerism that are still relevant today.

The exhibition runs until 17th March.

For further info:

Serpentine Gallery

Time Out London

Guardian Review