Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre has always hosted some pretty amazing and immersive exhibitions such as Martin Creeds Whats the point of it? and Lights. So it was pretty exciting news when they announced that they will be hosting Carsten Höller latest exhibition - Decision, featuring some of his best installations and more.
Twins
Höllers first installation is the entrance itself, Decisions Corridors - a labyrinth of twisting pitch black corridors where visitors have to feel their way in. It sets the bar for what was to come. For example Pill Clock, a clock installation, drops a single red and white capsule pill every three seconds. Visitors are welcomed to pick a single capsule and swallow it should they wish. Then theres the Two Roaming Beds, which is sadly not available for the general public except those who pre-booked to sleep overnight in them. Yes, the roaming beds are literally just that - they roam around the exhibition hall while you sleep in them!
The Forests
Outdoors on the Waterloo Terrace you will find Höllers Two Flying Machines. Here visitors are able to soar above overlooking part of the large Southbank Centre complex and the traffic over Waterloo Bridge. The machine, which is a combination of a para-glider, carousel and motorbike, is described by Höller as an instrument where visitors can experience embarrassment, suspended in the air like a bag of potatoes. Having just been on it, I cant say I disagree with that assessment!
Two Flying Machines
Perhaps the highlight of the exhibition is Höllers famous Isomeric Slides. Featured at Tate Moderns Turbine Hall some years ago, the two giant slides is perhaps the most captivating form of exit ever - through either of two giant spiral slides which sits over five stories high. Sadly H&S rules means I was unable to capture a video of my exit, but it was still worth it. If only all building exits were build this way!
Isomeric Slides
Carsten Höller: Decision is currently held at Hayward Gallery at the Southbank Centre from 10 June to 6 September 2015.
