Chiharu Shiota. Threads of Life

Step into the captivating world of Chiharu Shiota, a Japanese artist who transforms everyday objects into something truly extraordinary. Based in Berlin, Shiota is best known for her massive, intricate webs made from miles of woven thread. By surrounding familiar items—like old keys, shoes, beds, and dresses—within these vast networks, she explores the deep human stories of memory, identity, and the connections that bind us all together.

Her work is deeply moving and personal, yet it speaks to the universal experiences of life, death, and the relationships we share. It is an invitation to wander through spaces that feel both hauntingly beautiful and full of meaning.

This exhibition brings together Shiota’s signature floor-to-ceiling thread installations with new sculptures, drawings, and videos of her early performances. Filling the Hayward Gallery’s top floor, these breathtaking works respond to the building’s iconic architecture to create a truly unforgettable experience.