Exhibition

John Lyons : Carnivalesque

08 Feb — 05 May 25
10:00 — 17:00

The Box
Tavistock Place, Plymouth, PL4 8AX

FREE

Step into the vibrant and mythical world of Caribbean British artist and poet John Lyons in Carnivalesque, the first major retrospective celebrating his six-decade career.

This bold exhibition brings together over 40 of Lyons’ works, including paintings, drawings, sketchbooks, and poetry, offering an intimate look at his creative process. Rooted in the folklore and mythology of Trinidad and Tobago, his art bursts with colour, rhythm, and energy – reflecting the spectacle of the island’s legendary pre-Lenten (Ash Wednesday) carnival. Mysterious figures, symbolic motifs, and the enigmatic ‘jumbie bird’ weave through his compositions, inviting visitors to explore the fusion of culture, identity, and storytelling in his work.

Alongside the exhibition, The Box’s Active Archives gallery will host complementary displays, spotlighting carnival traditions from across the South West. A beautifully illustrated catalogue accompanies the show, further cementing Lyons’ legacy at this pivotal moment in his career.

 


 

Opening Hours : 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and selected bank holidays

Banner : Before Ash Wednesday in Trinidad, 1988 · John Lyons · oil on canvas · 1590 x 2030 mm (1630 x 2075 mm, framed) · © John C.M. Lyons