LAMB is delighted to announce a solo exhibition of new works by Harriet Gillett.
The exhibition offers a glimpse into the world of the London-based artist, showcasing a selection of works that vividly reflect her experiences and memories within the city. From intimate portrayals of ffriends to depictions of some of the places she has become part of, ranging from local cafes to musicians in churches, Gillett weaves these elements into a broader narrative that serves as a heartfelt tribute to London and the artistic community that has profoundly shaped her journey. Gillett also seamlessly melds her personal references with influences from other artistic legacies, drawing inspiration from the swirling forms of Edvard Munch, the magical realism of author Ali Smith, and the powerful symbolism in Chris Ofili’s poignant tribute to Grenfell (Tate Britain).
The exhibition's title, inspired by an iconic song from the American rock band Talking Heads, resonates with the themes explored in Gillett's work. As the artist herself explains, “Like the songs in their Stop Making Sense album/ many of their songs, my paintings circle around questions of home, and the search to find some sense of meaning within a large and busy place.” Echoing many of the themes in the songs performed in the band’s legendary concert film Stop Making Sense, Gillett’s art captures the essence of discovering one’s place, identity, and sense of belonging—rooted in her own experiences of London.
In her works for This Must Be The Place, Gillett also delves into the fluid nature of memory and perception to capture her urban experiences. She often revisits the same imagery across multiple scales and at different times, a process she describes as ‘re-remembering.’ “Each sketch represents a memory—capturing a specific moment in time or place. Yet, each time I start a new painting, there’s a shift in the subject as my perspective changes.” This exploration of memory’s shifting or evolving nature is evident in the exhibition, where often two or three versions of the same initial drawing are displayed.
Harriet Gillett (b.1995 East Yorkshire) is an artist living and working in London. She received her MA in Fine Art at City and Guilds Art School in 2022 after studying a BA in English Literature at Edinburgh University (2017). Recent exhibitions include group shows at Brooke Benington, Roman Road, Delphian x Saatchi, Badr El Jundi, Tube Culture Hall, Melzi Fine Art and duos with Soho Revue and New Normal Projects. She was shortlisted for the Ingram prize.