Thirst is a universal human experience shared with most living beings. With only 3% of the water on Earth being freshwater, our land is thirsty too.
'Thirst: In Search of Freshwater' is a new exhibition exploring humanity’s vital connection with freshwater — an essential source of life and pillar of good health for people and the planet.
From ancient Mesopotamia and Victorian London to modern-day Nepal and Singapore, the exhibition combines art, science, history, technology and indigenous knowledge to deepen understanding of our relationships with freshwater.
Featuring 125 objects, including thought-provoking artworks, historical artefacts, rich material culture, and the latest discovery research, 'Thirst' takes visitors on an immersive journey through five distinct water conditions: aridity, rain, glaciers, surface water, and groundwater.
It highlights the impact of access to freshwater on health and ecosystems; addresses the consequences of mismanagement, such as disease and climate disasters; and presents community-driven, regenerative solutions to the global water crisis.
The exhibition will feature powerful works from Gideon Mendel, Chloe Dewe Mathews, Anthony Acciavatti, Susan Schuppli, Dala Nasser, Adib Dada, Black Mary Project led by Gaylene Gould, M’hammed Kilito and Adam Rouhana. New installations commissioned for the exhibition by Raqs Media Collective, Zahirah Suhaimi (SEACoast), Karan Shrestha and Feifei Zhou will remind us of our individual and collective relationship with water.
The exhibition’s design uses innovative and fully bio-regenerative materials, including building boards made of wetland reed fibres, hemp and straw, and ceramics made of locally-sourced London clay. Developed in collaboration with studios Material Cultures and Wolfe Hall, the design challenges traditional exhibition construction by reimagining temporary structures and waste in museums without compromising on conservation needs.