UK / East / Norfolk
Power Plants: Intoxicants, Stimulants and Narcotics at Sainsbury Centre
Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia, Norfolk Road Norwich, NR4 7TJ
14th September - 2nd February
From peyote to tobacco, for millennia people have used the psychoactive properties of plants as an integral part of social, ceremonial and religious life.
In many parts of the world, plants of power – whether this be spiritual, economic, mind-altering or cultural – are regarded as sacred. They are valued for their capacity to deepen human relationships, facilitate communication with ancestors, and heal the sick.
‘Power Plants: Intoxicants, Stimulants and Narcotics’ features objects, sculpture, yarn paintings, digital works, textiles, plus a selection of Japanese art, to explore the important role that stimulants and intoxicants continue to perform within societies.
The show references global artefacts that are connected with the traditional consumption of tobacco and snuff, betel nut, kava, tea and palm wine, alongside an exploration of the sacred, hallucinogenic cactus, peyote.
The exhibition shows works by contemporary artists such as South African artist Sethembile Msezane and Mexican artist Guadalupe Muñoz, and features newly commissioned work from Togolese-British artist Divine Southgate-Smith.
The green tea section, set out as a tearoom for a ceremony, is curated by Mr Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, a Urasenke School tea ceremony practitioner and teacher.
View AttractionOpening Times
Tuesday - Friday
9.00 - 18.00
(exhibitions open 9.30am)
Saturday - Sunday
10.00 - 17.00
Closed Mondays, including bank holidays.
Prices
Our Universal Ticket grants access to the permanent collection, lower and mezzanine galleries, and Sculpture Park.
Tickets operate on a ‘Pay If and What You Can’ basis, so you can choose the price from free through to full membership.
Upon arrival, please go to gallery reception where our universal ticket is available.
Facilities
Café
Car Parking
Picnic Site
Baby Changing
Disabled Access
Toilets
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