GOSHKA MACUGA
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE will present Born From Stone, an immersive installation by Goshka Macuga, inspired by the ancient Roman temple of Mithras discovered beneath the current site of Bloomberg’s European headquarters. Macuga’s practice is based on historical and archival research, which informs her installations, sculptures, tapestries and collages. As a multidisciplinary artist, Macuga uses these different mediums to present old stories in a new way, creating a fresh view on social and political histories for modern audiences. With Born From Stone Macuga will invite viewers to delve into the rich tapestry of Roman mythology, particularly the intriguing narrative surrounding the god Mithras, to whom the temple was dedicated. Born From Stone will explore these themes through a transformational cave-like installation featuring sculptural rock formations which evoke the subterranean landscape of the temple’s origins. Within this immersive environment, visitors will encounter a selection of works, carefully curated by Macuga on loan from Imperial War Museums. Each piece will contribute to the narrative of destruction and redevelopment that spans the history of the City of London and beyond. Through striking imagery and poignant symbolism, Born From Stone will confront the pressing issues of our time, from ecological crises to the impact and devastation of war. By linking historical events with modern day challenges, Macuga will encourage visitors to think about how history repeats itself and affects our environment. “The cave is a powerful symbol that appears in various interpretations of the mythological narrative attached to Mithras, with deep associations as a birthplace and as a place of violence and creation” explains Macuga. “With Born From Stone, I aim to expand upon these associations, exploring both the generative and destructive forces that shape our world.”