Carsten Höller: Decision, Hayward Gallery ★★★★★

Below is our preview, giving background information about the show

If the name Carsten Höller doesn’t ring a bell, you might remember adults and kids hurtling down those giant metallic slides in the Tate Modern Turbine Hall back in 2006. Now Höller is back in London with a new rambunctious exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, which families will adore this summer. As well as Höller's first major show in the UK, it's also a landmark moment as Höller is the last artist to be featured at the Southbank Centre's art gallery before a two year closure for renovations.

Carsten Höller biography

Höller, who originally trained as an agricultural scientist, is known for his immersive installations, which alter the perception of our environment. For the most part they are fun and experiential works that are activated by the visitor. Other major Höller shows you should know about include Experience at the New Museum, New York in 2011 and Half Fiction at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston in 2003.

Hayward Gallery | Carsten Höller exhibition

The Hayward show explodes beyond the gallery’s walls with a newly commissioned set of slides that travel from ceiling to entrance and flying machines circling the roof. Nothing is what it seems at Carsten Höller's show, where from start to finish the visitor will have to make choices that affect their experience. There will also be some interesting never-before-seen works from Höller's 20-year career on display, including giant psychedelic mushrooms and robotic beds that move autonomously around the galleries. 

This exhibition is more like a playground for adults than a serious retrospective, and will send the Hayward out with a bang!