Rab Harling, a London-based contemporary artist known for his experimental photography, sculptural installations, and filmmaking, has participated in several significant exhibitions that reflect his focus on social issues, urban space, and the housing crisis in the UK. Below is an exploration of some of his key exhibitions based on his documented career:
One of Harling’s early notable exhibitions was “A Delicate Sense of Terror” in 2012, presented as part of Urban Transcripts 2012: “London the (n)ever-changing city” in London. This project stemmed from his residency in Balfron Tower, a brutalist social housing block in East London designed by Ernő Goldfinger. Harling photographed the interiors of 120 of his neighbors’ homes between 2011 and 2014, using large-format transparency film from a fixed viewpoint. The resulting work, displayed on uncut rolls of film in a handmade lightbox, deconstructed the tower’s architecture, offering a visual narrative of its social function and the lives within it during a period of impending “regeneration.” This exhibition highlighted his innovative approach to photography and his critique of gentrification.
In 2014, Harling exhibited work in progress from his Balfron Tower project at the Slade Research Centre as part of UCL Urban Laboratory’s Cities Methodologies. Running from April 28 to May 2, this showcase coincided with a pivotal moment in the tower’s privatization, where all social housing was being removed. Accompanying the exhibition was a roundtable discussion on the ethics of photographing and filming London estates, underscoring Harling’s engagement with both artistic and social discourse. His residency with UCL Urban Laboratory, supported by the Leverhulme Trust, amplified the academic and public impact of this work.
Another key exhibition was “Inversion/Reflection: What Does Balfron Tower Mean to You?” shown at the Wellcome Collection’s “Living with Buildings” exhibition from October 2018 to March 2019. This short film, later made freely available online, featured interviews with former Balfron Tower residents, capturing their sentiments about the tower’s transformation from social housing to luxury flats. The five-month installation reached a broad audience, reinforcing Harling’s role as a commentator on the displacement of working-class communities.
In 2020, Harling presented “Exile in the Kingdom” at Cable Depot in London, running from March 6 to May 3. This exhibition marked a shift in subject matter, focusing on the ecological crisis of ash dieback, a disease threatening Britain’s ash trees. The project, developed over four years, included a film premiered at the event, alongside poetry readings and a scientific talk, blending art, science, and environmental activism. Critics praised its originality, with filmmaker Paul Sng calling it “one of the most original things I’ve seen in a long time.”
Harling’s photo series “Abandon Your Dreams” was featured in the House of European History’s temporary exhibition “When Walls Talk! Posters – Promotion, Propaganda and Protest” from April 30 to November 13, 2022, in Brussels. This work explored the socio-political narratives embedded in urban spaces, aligning with the exhibition’s theme of posters as historical and ideological artifacts. His contribution was highlighted in an interview, emphasizing his ability to connect personal artistic practice with broader European stories.
These exhibitions showcase Harling’s evolution from documenting architectural and social change in urban settings to addressing ecological concerns, all while maintaining a commitment to experimental mediums and community narratives. His work has also appeared in various other venues, including the East End Film Festival, Goldsmiths University, and the Diffusion International Photography Festival at Cardiff University, reflecting his consistent presence in both art and activist circles. Each project underscores his interest in how environments—built or natural—shape human experience, making his exhibitions not just artistic displays but platforms for critical reflection.
Unedited text generated by Grok AI engine following prompt “Tell me about Rab Harling”, February 2025