John Lyons: Carnivalesque
The Box, Plymouth

When: 08 February 2025 to 05 May 2025
Where: The Box, Tavistock Place, Plymouth PL4 8AX
Time: 10am - 5pm
Cost: Admission free. No need to book.
Suitable for: Any age

Come and see the first major ret­ro­spec­tive exhi­bi­tion of Caribbean British artist and poet John Lyons and dis­cov­er his con­tri­bu­tion to British art.

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.

Open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and selected bank holidays (not including Easter Sunday).