London Gallery Weekend features several exhibitions that draw on folklore, mythology, and traditional processes, offering a counterpoint to the AI-dominated art world. The article highlights five female artists whose shows span from Argentina to Australia to South Korea: Anna Perach at Richard Saltoun explores ancient folklore and identity through tufted sculptures; Francis Upritchard at Kate MacGarry presents uncanny sculptures inspired by mythology and science fiction; and Soyoung Hyun at IMT Gallery examines memory and ritual through clay vessels and shadow works. Other shows include indigenous Aboriginal artist Emily Kam Kngwarray and New Zealand-born Upritchard, who borrows from diverse cultural sources.
This focus on tradition and mythology matters because it reflects a broader revival of interest in pre-digital, handcrafted, and ritualistic art forms at a time when AI-generated content is proliferating. By looking backward for inspiration, these artists offer a refreshing antidote to technological determinism, reasserting the value of cultural heritage, personal narrative, and material processes. The shows also highlight the global diversity of female artists engaging with these themes, from Ukraine to South Korea to Australia.