Arlau Unveils Memory And Myth Through The Mist
Photo: A r l a u : Memories in Mist. B/W Analog photo, Sol, 2023, Photo by Arlau
Immerse Yourself In A Dreamscape Of Memory And Myth
Arlau’s Memories in Mist delves into the fleeting nature of memory, identity, and myth, presented through evocative analogue photography within the sacred atmosphere of The Chapel at St. Margaret’s.
A mid the atmospheric coziness of London’s East End, this December, The Chapel at St. Margaret’s House transforms into a site of reflection and wonder with Memories in Mist — the highly anticipated solo exhibition by photographic artist Arlau, curated by Margarita Makhanova. Running from December 5 to 7, this evocative showcase invites visitors into a meditative exploration of memory, myth, and the delicate interplay between the natural and the divine.
A Journey Through the Veil of Mist
Through a series of black-and-white analogue photographs, Memories in Mist invites viewers to consider the transient and mystical qualities of memory — both personal and collective. Mist serves not only as a visual motif but as a symbol of life’s ephemerality, casting a dreamlike shroud over scenes of nature and human existence. Trees emerge ghostlike from fog, human figures dissolve into landscapes, and crosses linger on distant horizons — each image whispering of the tension between absence and presence, solitude and connection.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a collection of self-portraits by Arlau. These quiet, ethereal images are far from the self-assertive nature of the contemporary selfie. Instead, they present a figure vanishing into the mist, melding with their environment as if to suggest that identity itself can become fluid, a transient part of the world it inhabits. The symbolism is both poignant and poetic, prompting viewers to ask: where do we belong within the vast, fragmented tapestry of memory and myth? And when the mist dissipates, what remains of us?
The Chapel as a Sanctuary for Thought
The setting of Memories in Mist — The Chapel at St. Margaret’s House — is itself a key element of the exhibition’s power. As visitors step into the chapel’s hallowed interior, with its resonant architecture and atmosphere of reverence, the photographs take on an added sense of depth. The space evokes traditions of ritual and reflection, allowing the art to transcend mere aesthetics and assume the role of a spiritual journey. The result is an absorbing dialogue between the sacred and the contemporary, where memory and myth intertwine with the physical and the ephemeral.
Curator Margarita Makhanova has expertly crafted this exhibition to feel like an intimate yet universal encounter. Her straightforward, inclusive curatorial approach draws viewers into the conversation, creating space for them to reflect on their own experiences and connections with the works on display. This marks the third London exhibition under Makhanova’s creative guidance, and her ability to blend simplicity with profound resonance continues to shine.
A Collective Inspiration
The exhibition is presented as part of the efforts of Waltham Collective, a North East London-based group founded in 2024 that is dedicated to bridging heritage, landscape, and contemporary experience through art. Both Arlau and Makhanova are active members of this collective, which brings together artists and curators with shared values of accessibility and collaboration.
About the Artist: Arlau
With a history of creative inquiry that began at the age of eleven, Arlau has developed a distinctive photographic practice that blends analogue techniques, self-portraiture, and deep engagement with landscapes. Her work is informed by a lifelong fascination with memory and myth and explores the enduring yet fragile dimensions of human existence.
In addition to her artistic work, Arlau brings a rich academic background: a Bachelor’s degree in African and Oriental Studies with a focus on Japanese culture, an MSc in Marketing and Communications, and current studies in Global Art Markets at Regent’s University London. This diverse perspective adds layers of cultural and conceptual depth to her artistic vision.
Why You Should See Memories in Mist
In an era characterized by existential uncertainty and rapid technological change, Memories in Mist offers a welcome pause for reflection. Its meditative imagery reminds us of the beauty in transience and invites us to reconnect with the timeless threads of myth, nature, and spirituality that run through human history. More than just an art show, it becomes a sanctuary for contemplating our shared humanity and the echoes of memory that shape us.
When and Where?
The exhibition opens with a special event on December 5th from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the art, meet the curator, and soak in the magic of the chapel setting. For those who wish to experience Memories in Mist in a quieter moment, the works will be on view from December 5–7, between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, at The Chapel, St. Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Rd., London, E2 9PL.
As the final days of 2025 approach, this exhibition offers a reflective space to consider how we navigate our place in the world — balancing the seen and unseen, the fleeting and the eternal. For visitors who step into Memories in Mist, one thing is certain: they will leave moved, introspective, and perhaps changed.
