Parked II is an open exhibition in the historical gardens of Clerkenwell, bringing art to everyone in accessible and unexpected places.
From the 25th to the 29th of September 2024, Parked II will again bring 15 artists and their work to St John’s Garden and The Cloister Garden (part of St John’s Museum). It will include pieces by Chila Burman, Denise de Cordova, Tracey Emin and several other renowned contemporary artists.
Parked aims to bring works that would not usually be exhibited so freely to the parks and their incidental visitors who might not otherwise have access to or seek out contemporary art. Both this year’s spaces are already a sanctuary to a diverse group of visitors, sitting within Islington, one of the most densely populated boroughs in England and with the least amount of green space per person.
“The beauty of bringing art into nature and public spaces is the opportunity for visitors and passers-by to engage in an unexpected context. Removing the institution and embracing the art in our everyday lives.” Emma Douglas – Artist and Co-curator
“Bringing Art and Nature together and creating a temporary art show open to all, Parked will elicit wonder, ignite curiosity and deepen our relationship with the everyday public spaces we inhabit.” Sarah Wood – Chair, Friends of St John’s Garden
Parked II is the second installment of an open exhibition first held in 2017 in St John’s Garden, co-curated by renowned visual artist Emma Douglas and creative producer Ishbel Mull. Emma lived in Clerkenwell from the 1980s-2022 and cared for St John’s Garden for over 30 years. Her work can be seen in St John’s Garden, Fortune St Garden, Westminster Kingsway and Spa Fields, and other public locations across the UK.
Exhibition runs from 25-29 September 2024. Open 11.00-dusk daily at:
St John’s Garden – on the corner of Britton Street and Benjamin St, London EC1M 5QL
The Cloister Garden, St John’s Museum – St John’s Square, London, EC1M 4DH
Performances, artist led tours and workshops will be running during the exhibition – more details can be found on the event Instagram page: @artparked2024