Delaine Le Bas, a Turner Prize 2024 nominee, has captured the art world's attention with her evocative installation, Incipit Vita Nova (Thus Begins a New Life), currently on display at Tate Britain. This immersive work transcends traditional boundaries, blending painting, collage, soundscapes, costume, and performance into a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience.
Le Bas, celebrated for her exploration of British Roma heritage and feminist narratives, transforms the gallery space into an intricate maze. Using materials like organza, reflective foil, and painted calico, she creates a tactile, dreamlike environment. "I'm interested in creating different doorways," Le Bas says, inviting visitors to physically and emotionally engage with her world.
A Journey Through Chaos and Resilience
Entering the installation feels like stepping into a memoryscape. The journey begins with Marley, a ghostly figure inspired by Dickens, questioning, "How can you make art in chaos?" This haunting inquiry reflects a pivotal moment in Le Bas's life-navigating personal upheaval during her Nan's illness.
Among the poignant objects is a black china horse, modeled after one owned by her grandfather, symbolizing resilience amidst adversity. Nearby, a pair of red boots, replicas of her first shoes, evoke themes of legacy and childhood. These personal artifacts anchor the work, allowing audiences to connect their own stories with Le Bas's narrative.
The pathway continues, guided by footprints that lead to Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi. Here, ancient wisdom confronts modern reflection, urging viewers to heed the timeless command: "Know Thyself."
A Message of Hope and Transformation
Le Bas describes her installation as a meditation on chaos and renewal. "Many people are in chaos, and it's terrible," she shares, "but you can come out of it." Her work offers a powerful message of resilience, capturing the transformative potential of navigating life's challenges.
Incipit Vita Nova is not just an artistic statement; it is an emotional experience, weaving personal history with universal truths. Le Bas's work reminds us that even in chaos, there is a pathway to renewal.
A Turner Prize Highlight
As one of the most compelling installations of the Turner Prize 2024, Incipit Vita Nova reflects the power of art to bridge the personal and the collective. It challenges, inspires, and offers a vision of hope that lingers long after leaving the gallery.
Kei London celebrates Delaine Le Bas's achievement and encourages all to experience her transformative work at Tate Britain.
