Ikon and macLYON present Friends in Love and War - L’Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es, works from the British Council Collection and macLYON that explore the theme of friendship. 

Based on mutual trust and affection, friendships are among our most valued relationships. With friends we share life experiences, broaden our horizons and build collective futures – yet the nature of friendship is difficult to define. How do we choose our friends? How do society, politics, culture and social media influence friendships? As trusted critics, friends have the potential to hurt us. Do the secrets friends share make them natural enemies?

Taking place in the partner cities of Lyon and Birmingham, the exhibition also looks at diplomatic friendships, and how regional capitals and cultural institutions can create new ways of living and working together in a post-Brexit climate.It includes painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, film, textile, sculpture and installation, alongside existing and new works by artists with longstanding connections to each city.

It also presents the works of specially invited artists, who have long-standing ties with Lyon and Birmingham. 

Artists : Kenneth Armitage, Sonia Boyce, Tereza Bušková, Pogus Caesar, Patrick Caulfield, Jimmie Durham, Tracey Emin, Marie-Anita Gaube, Lola Gonzàlez, Emma Hart, Lubaina Himid, Géraldine Kosiak, Delaine Le Bas, Markéta Luskacová, Rachel Maclean, Goshka Macuga, Madame Yevonde, Gordon Matta-Clark, Hetain Patel, Paula Rego, Luke Routledge, Niek van de Steeg, Lily van der Stokker, Francis Upritchard, Fabien Verschaere, Gillian Wearing, Bedwyr Williams, Rose Wylie, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye

Curators: Marilou Laneuville, Head of Exhibitions and Publications, macLYON and Melanie Pocock, Artistic Director, Exhibitions, Ikon.

The exhibition Friends in Love and War — L'Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es is presented in Lyon from 8 March to 7 July 2024. Then at Ikon Gallery (Birmingham, UK) autumn, winter 2024/25.

With the support of the British Council.
Presented as part of UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024 Together We Imagine.