In a continuation of his ongoing endeavour to create new environments through urban and architectural design, Theaster Gates has been announced as the latest artist to create the annual Serpentine Pavillion commission. Now in its 21st year, the pioneering commission series has seen the likes of Olafur Elison and Zaha Hadid take over the lawns of Kensington Gardens every summer. As a multi-media visionary whose disciplines span sculpture, painting, architecture and film with an impressive oeuvre of work – including a prolific exhibition at Fondazione Prada in Milan last year which explored his ever-growing journey to celebrate Black history and racial representation – Gates’ latest design plan proves to cement his unique ethos. 

Paying homage to British craftsmanship and manufacturing, Black Chapel will take the form of an almost entirely wooden Pavillion that draws inspiration from the bottle kilns of Stoke-on-Trent. A singular light source from an oculus will sit as the centrepiece of the structure while an operating bell from the demolished St. Laurence Church in Gates’ hometown of Chicago will ring at the entrance, the space is set to create an environment reminiscent of the ambience created in a small chapel.

The American artist said of his latest design; “The name Black Chapel is important because it reflects the invisible parts of my artistic practice. It acknowledges the role that sacred music and the sacred arts have had on my practice…I have always wanted to build spaces that consider the power of sound and music as a healing mechanism and emotive force that allows people to enter a space of deep reflection and/or deep participation.” 

With architectural support from Adjaye Associates, Black Chapel will open to the public on June 10th as a space to house the Serpentine’s summer programme which will feature the return of Park Nights showcasing live music, poetry and dance.