Birmingham gallery, Ikon’s upcoming exhibition of rarely seen works by acclaimed artist Angela de la Cruz, marking her first solo exhibition in the UK outside London.
Titled UPRIGHT,the show runs from 25 March – 6 September 2026. Born in La Coruña, Spain, and based in London, de la Cruz has been a leading figure in contemporary sculpture and expanded painting for more than thirty years. She was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2010.
Guest curated by Carolina Grau, the show brings together key sculptures, installations and paintings that explore de la Cruz’s deep concern with the human body, vulnerability and the physical realities of everyday survival.
The works interrogate what happens when familiar structures — physical, emotional, architectural — collapse or resist pressure.
Through these evocative object-based narratives, de la Cruz highlights life’s shifting conditions: from the joy of dance and music to the body’s remarkable ability to adapt to the most challenging physical circumstances.
Example highlights include a new commission inspired by the time de la Cruz has spent with dancers from Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) since October 2025, observing them during their rehearsals for annual performances of Sir Peter Wright’s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker.
Angela de la Cruz: UPRIGHT
Ikon (Birmingham)
25 March – 6 September 2026
Admission: free