An exploration of Somerset House’s subterranean exhibition, by Annabel Waterhouse-Biggins
“If we’re serious about being able to continue living on this planet, soil is the place to start.
Look down.”
Introducing ‘Soil: The World at Our Feet’
Recently opened at Somerset House, ’Soil – the World at Our Feet’ is an exhibition in which over 30 artists explore the impact of soil on our ways of living, cultures, society and changing climate.
Through a range of artworks, artefacts and innovative approaches, guests are invited to reconsider the crucial role soil plays in our planet’s health. The exhibition showcases these stories around nature, through many formats, told by different artist voices in mediums of sculpture, film and painting to name a few. If you’re not sure of traditional ‘exhibition’ or gallery spaces, this showcase is for you – there are soundscapes, ceramics, immersive projections, films, interactive questions that encourage you to get involved in the project as well as more traditional ‘art.’
What to expect
Sit and watch the films or admire the creativity in the interpretation of the prompt from inside the polytunnels and built gardens. It’s the kind of exhibition that facilitates all kinds of learning and engagement in the storytelling – watch, read, experience or sit and absorb, it has it all! If you’re a gardener, farmer or passionate about our food, you’ve probably already considered soil as alive, and this exhibition offers the chance to see colourful microscopic photos of the living creatures that call it home.
It is hopeful to see an influential institution such as Somerset House, embrace the ideas and stories that surround prioritising soil. From our food to our clothing, our gardens to our health, demonstrating the connections between many of our daily experiences and the health of soil, gives context to why we should be paying attention to the gold beneath our feet. Prioritising wider systems thinking and collaboration over an individual approach, leaves you feeling hopeful and positive. What is so striking, is how much life exists under our feet, and how little we know about it and its potential.
Key Takeaways
One – you don’t need to understand the scientific intricacies of soil to recognise and appreciate its power and influence over our lives.
Two – without realising, you’re almost certainly impacted by the health of our soils – whether through extreme weather events such as flooding that can be lessened by healthier soils or by the clothing we buy, it’s all part of the same loop or linear system .
Three – we should be paying close attention to our food and whether its feeding into a regenerative system that will feed us for years to come, or an extractive one. See Rois’ experience at The Oxford Real Farming Conference for more on regenerative farming and food security.
Reflections on ‘Soil: The World at Our Feet’
I’d encourage you to spend an afternoon exploring this exhibition before it closes in April 2025. It’ll open your eyes to how soil touches everything in our lives and how it can be a tool for social movements, better health, happiness and stronger communities, as well as beauty.
Inside, you’ll find photographs taken of New Yorkers upstate, playing in the river, hanging ceramics of the microscopic beings casting shadows and colourful projections to stand within, as they change through the colours of the rainbow. There’s a tiny world in the soil that this exhibition unearths! We are only just learning of the significance of the ground beneath our feet after years of extraction and chemical cocktails damaging the ecosystem. Luckily, there’s an easy fix – reduce stressors on the soil and reintroduce positive factors to kick start the cycle of regeneration.
“Unearthing soil’s vital role in our planet’s future.”
-Somerset House
There are stories of the heroes around the world that are focused on helping the soil microbiome – most people that live in the city, won’t have access to land. But we can support regeneration through inspiring others to engage in the importance of soil, make conscious choices on what we eat and grow a few herbs or chillies on the window sill. A poignant showcase, the artists recognise the role of colonialism and politics in how we take care of our world. The exhibition delivers a message of hope and urgency, encouraging a more sustainable, harmonious relationship with the Earth—if we choose to act now.
‘Soil: The World at Our Feet’ runs until the 13th April at Somerset House’s Embankment Galleries, South Wing. Child and Concession tickets available.
