EXHIB: this and that at the V&A

Had a very happy solo mooch at the V&A: here are some highlights and why.

The first piece here was from an exhibition of photography, with the theme of Energy: Sparks from the Collection. By Jorma Puranen, it is called Untitled, and I was particularly drawn to how the photograph had captured the light of what looks like a temporary installation of images on a mottled surface, like a stone. These transparent negatives – or actually positives? – shine like a shrine, and create mirror versions on the flat surface. I am always drawn to circles and this is a particularly beautiful one.

Next to it are some items from the costume section, an embroidered ribbon, some decorative hands and a delicate lace collar. I am drawn to the handmade here, and I am also very interested in collars as both a thing of decoration but also of constriction/covering up.

I’ve always been a bit obsessed with netsuke after a visit to the V&A as a child, and though I love the tiny scenes of nature, this screaming face just had so much raw emotion. It is a real freedom to be able to roar like that, I wish I could.