'Medici Lion' by Siobhán Hapaska

Siobhán Hapaska is a singular voice in contemporary sculpture, consistently pushing the convention of form by utilising materials in unique and often surprising ways. In this exhibition she presents the figure of the lion to explore current crises, from the failures of democracy to ongoing conflict and wars, and the Climate crisis. A universal and persistent symbol of power, the lion has prolonged associations of justice, strength, courage and military might.

Here, Hapaska’s lion is suspended at the centre of the cavernous, double-height space of Gallery 1, tethered to the gallery’s walls. Hapaska uses the ambient sound captured at Westminster Abbey while Queen Elizabeth lay in State as an expanded sculptural layer to the work.