THAT’s INTERESTING: Gigi Surel

To trace the shape of London’s cultural revival, we asked the artists and instigators what excites them now. Then we stepped back—and let the story ripple outward, one nomination at a time.

I’m Gigi, the founder and curator of Teaspoon Projects, a London-based pop-up exhibition and events series that brings together visual artists and creatives from various fields to create immersive storytelling experiences.

What’s interesting in Art:

*Christine Tohmé © Tanya Traboulsi, 2024*

Despite the challenging political climate, I remain optimistic about the future of my hometown, Istanbul. I’m especially looking forward to late September when the Istanbul Biennial and Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair will happen simultaneously.

The biennial, curated by Christine Tohmé (known for Sharjah Biennial 13 in 2017), will be titled The Three-Legged Cat and will explore themes of self-preservation and futurity. This edition will unfold over three phases from 2025 to 2027. The first phase, running from 20th September to 23rd November 2025, will include exhibitions and public programs.

Contemporary Istanbul has already shared a preliminary VIP program, and I’m particularly excited about the private collection visits.

What’s interesting in Design:

I’ve been drawn to the work of Ilias Lefas, particularly his copper bars and aluminium cabinets. I discovered his pieces through the Vasiliki Studio Instagram page – an Athens-based jewellery brand. I also found out that Lefas has collaborated on a project for The Breeder. Now that I’m moving to a new flat, I’m keen to get in touch with him.

What’s interesting in Culture:

*Gargle by Climax Books at Sadie Coles HQCourtesy of Sadie Coles HQ*

The new event series Gargle by Sadie Coles is just incredible. As a fan of everything Sadie Coles, I love how Gargle aligns with my curatorial goal of creating experiences that deeply connect audiences with art.

In my own practice, I’ve noticed that visitors, especially those less familiar with the art world, often just take photos and leave quickly. This inspired me to start Teaspoon Projects – to encourage more immersive and meaningful interactions with art. I also love the idea of Gargle doubling as an alternative to dating apps, though I can’t say I’ve had much luck on that front yet!

What’s interesting in Style/Fashion:

*Stills from “The White Lotus” Season 3. Courtesy of HBO.*

I recently spotted a Scooter LaForge t-shirt in an episode of White Lotus, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. They’re available online, but I’m still trying to justify the price as an artwork purchase rather than just a fashion splurge.

What’s interesting in Tech:

I recently read on Dazed Beauty about Cyshimi and Occulted, who are exploring the intersection of wearable tech and nail art. During their residency at Cornell University, they created a series of functional nail art pieces that challenge the way technology can interact with the human body.

Their projects include the “Memory Nail”, which features a tattoo machine embedded within the nail, merging body modification with digital fabrication. Another project, the “Gossip Nail”, embeds a microphone and pairs with a ring that acts as a speaker, enabling discreet communication. I’m fascinated by how they’re transforming the human body into a dynamic technological medium.

What’s interesting in Music:

Right now, I’m really into the dreamy sounds of ddwy, a duo made up of Inner Totality and nangi. We’re actually collaborating on something exciting – but I’m keeping it a secret for now! I can’t wait to share more when the time is right.

A museum show and a gallery show recommendation

Anselm Kiefer, Sag mir wo die Blumen sind , 2024. Courtesy of the artist and White Cube. In Anselm Kiefer – Sag mir wo die Blumen sind , Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam & Van Gogh Museum, 2025. Photo: Peter Tijhuis.

One exhibition not to miss is Anselm Kiefer’s Sag mir wo die Blumen sind (Where Have All the Flowers Gone?), spread across the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. A monumental installation at the Stedelijk takes over the grand staircase, featuring large canvases in hues of oxidized copper and gold leaf, with army uniforms and dried flower petals cascading onto the floor. It was one of the most moving installations I have ever seen.

Selma Selman is an artist and activist- motherboards performance tentoonstelling her0 gropius Bau Berlijn 2023 Photo Eike-Walkenhorst

I also want to mention Selma Selman’s Sleeping Guards at the Stedelijk Museum. Selman’s unapologetic work challenges stereotypes associated with the Roma community. I first saw her pieces at ChertLüdde in Berlin last year, and she quickly became one of my favourite contemporary artists.

*Celia Paul, Painter Against Water, 2024*

Celia Paul’s exhibition at Victoria Miro was a must see. The show coincides with the release of a new monograph published by MACK, which spans fifty years of Paul’s painting. I’m eager to get my hands on the monograph, as I’m particularly curious to read the text by Karl Ove Knausgård. Lately, I had felt somewhat detached from painting, but Paul’s work is pulling me right back in.

I’d like to nominate my dear friend, curator Joséphine May Bailey, Sales Director at Gallery Rosenfeld and founder of 8 Vine Yard Residency.