The exhibition was created around two items within The Box’s archive, an 1800s tiger puppet and a bamboo pipe, acquired in 1910. These items link to Korean folk tales involving tigers smoking on long pipes. It’s an open exhibition, encouraging visitors to explore the space and surroundings.
While the idea of tigers smoking isn’t the most appealing, the meaning behind the saying ‘Long Ago when Tigers Smoked’ is very similar to our very own saying ‘Once upon a time’. It is from a time when animals and humans lived in harmony with one another.
This beautiful exhibition is best treated as a theatre experience. As you enter the room, you are greeted by the tiger puppet smoking from a very long pipe, from there, the colourful tapestry beckons you towards their portals towards a fantasy world.
At the end of the room, you come to the final display which is the painting and puppets created by Zadie. This giant painting depicts three tigers, each with its own characteristics and stories. Three puppets are suspended from the ceiling. Each has been beautifully crafted and deserves a detailed closer look.
The Box really does introduce some of the best and widest ranges of works and Zadie is no different. Her work with textiles, paintings and materials shows the great talent of this creator, one that can be enjoyed by those of all ages.
The display is on show from the 2nd of April till the 5th of June 2022 at The Box, Plymouth.
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