John Lyons: Carnivalesque
08 Feb 2025 - 05 May 2025
10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday
Come and see the first major retrospective exhibition of Caribbean British artist and poet John Lyons and discover the contribution he’s made to British art, literature and art education over the last 60 years.
More info
Carnivalesque features a series of Lyons' dynamic, expressive works and explores the folklore and mythology of Trinidad and Tobago, in particular the large colourful carnival that takes place there just before Ash Wednesday every year. Mysterious figures mingle with symbols and motifs including the mythical ‘jumbie bird’. Vibrant scenes are laced with uncertainty as you're invited to take a journey into Lyons' world.
The exhibition brings over 40 of his works to Plymouth, including paintings, drawings and sketchbooks. It also showcases some of Lyons’ poetry - offering a unique insight into his creative process.
A series of complementary displays in the Active Archives gallery will take their inspiration from the exhibition and highlight some of the South West’s important carnival traditions.
The exhibition is organised by the Whitworth, The University of Manchester in collaboration with The Box. Along with a beautifully illustrated catalogue it brings greater visibility and recognition for Lyons at a timely point in his long career.
Find out more
• Hear from John Lyons in this short video recorded when Carnivalesque was first displayed at the Whitworth.
• John Lyons talks about carnival and how he's inspired by it in this 2022 video interview from Kettle's Yard.
Image credit
John Lyons, 1988, Before Ash Wednesday in Trinidad (detail) © John C.M. Lyons.