Behind the scenes of Open Wound of the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall.
Our fellow Alvin Li takes us behind the scenes of Mire Lee’s Open Wound, the Hyundai Commission currently on view at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, as the exhibition draws to a close. In this exclusive interview, Alvin shares insight into the artist’s vision and his curatorial process that shaped the monumental installation.
Inspired by Tate Modern’s industrial past as a power station, Lee reinvents the vast space of the Turbine Hall as the inside of a body, transforming it into a visceral, living factory. Sullied liquid drips from slowly rotating turbines, wets and dyes the fabric sculptures the artist calls ‘skins.’ Her work provokes and unsettles, questioning notions of beauty, desire, and the grotesque.
As Curator, International Art at Tate Modern, Alvin worked closely with Lee to bring this ambitious project to life. In this interview, he reflects on the journey from concept to execution, his collaboration with the artist, and his curatorial considerations.
Open Wound is still on view at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall until 16 March 2025.
As the closing of Open Wound approaches, a special evening of moving images and performances is co-curated by Alvin and artist James Richards, with support from Bilal Akkouche. Join a journey across diverse landscapes and emotions, from Britain’s coalfields to East Jerusalem to Shanghai’s streets at night, from slaughterhouse architecture to the glow of phone screens.
Event Time
6.30–9.30pm, 07.03.2025
Location
Starr Cinema, Tate Modern
Learn more about the event and sign up here.