The exhibition is an extensive chronological display of Carolee Schneemann’s work, including film/AV works, sculptural objects, painting, works on paper and performance photos.

The design references stage flats: full height fabric walls, tinted with an orange gradient, demarcate sections of the show, whilst creating transparency between the zones.

The orange gradient of the fabric walls, a colour found in her paintings, sculptural and film works, connects the upper (orange) and lower (white) galleries, and brings a warmth and performative quality to the experience of the show. A series of curved plinths recall bodily forms and select vitrines were painted bright orange internally to foreground certain exhibits, and punctuate the visitor experience.

The lightweight, immaterial exhibition design contrasts with the heavy masculine architecture of the Barbican and the lofty fabric walls makes full use of the double height gallery spaces.

The use of fabric for the large scale interventions has high visual impact but very small material and environmental cost 21 vitrines/shelves, some of which were upcycled from the Barbican’s previous exhibitions, are made of timber and are designed for storage to be reused in future exhibitions.