An immersive exhibition blending underwater film, sculpture, and sound redefines the boundaries of contemporary feminist art.
London’s art scene is about to get submerged—literally. Multidisciplinary artist Makiko Harris is making waves with Needle Dance, a bold new exhibition at art’otel London Hoxton from 17th February to 2nd March. This hypnotic experience fuses conceptual film, towering sculptures, and immersive sound, pushing the boundaries of how we explore fate, feminism, and human connection.
This isn’t just another art exhibition. Needle Dance transforms a simple Japanese myth into a sensory odyssey, inviting visitors to step into Harris’s dreamlike universe. The exhibition, presented in collaboration with Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, showcases an underwater film, a curated selection of sculptures, and intricate costume designs.
Reimagining Fate and Feminism at art’otel Hoxton
A giant red thread ties it all together—literally. Harris takes inspiration from the Japanese legend of the red thread of fate, an ancient belief that unseen strings bind certain people together. In her world, these threads become physical constraints, tugging at themes of autonomy, heritage, and self-determination.
Dancers float in a weightless, dreamlike state, wrapped in brilliant red ropes that shift between symbols of destiny and entrapment. Every movement feels both liberating and constrained, mirroring the push and pull of fate and free will.
Harris doesn’t just tell a story—she builds an entire world. The exhibition will transform art’otel Hoxton’s cinema and gallery spaces into an immersive journey, where visitors can witness Needle Dance on a continuous loop, interwoven with behind-the-scenes footage of the intense underwater filming process.
The Power of the Needle: Sculptures that Demand Attention
Alongside the film, Harris presents enormous needle sculptures, towering reminders of the tension between traditional “women’s work” and modern feminist power. The artist draws on her personal history—her grandmother’s sewing kit was an early inspiration—to transform delicate sewing needles into monumental, weapon-like structures.
“The needle was always seen as small, domestic, and feminine,” Harris explains. “But when you scale it up, it commands attention.”
Her approach nods to feminist icons like Louise Bourgeois and Judy Chicago, whose work challenged perceptions of women’s artistry. In Needle Dance, these oversized needles become symbols of both fragility and defiance—threading together the past and present in a striking, visual narrative.
Underwater Choreography: A Collaboration of Visionaries
This exhibition isn’t just Harris’s vision—it’s a fusion of artistry from some of the industry’s most renowned creatives.
Peter Gray, a prolific editorial image-maker (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar), directs the film, bringing a high-fashion sensibility to the ethereal underwater sequences.
Deborah Milner, legendary costume designer and former Alexander McQueen couture studio head, creates sculptural, rope-based costumes that enhance the dancers’ fluid, weightless movements.
Carlos Basilisco, co-composer of the haunting violin-heavy score, weaves a soundscape that blends percussion, MIDI layers, and live instrumentation to intensify the film’s emotional depth.
Every element—movement, costume, music—blurs the lines between fashion, performance, and contemporary art.
Threads of Myth and Modernity: The Red Thread of Fate
Harris doesn’t just retell an old myth—she forces us to question its relevance today.
Is fate something we should embrace or resist? Do we inherit paths that were never ours to choose? The red thread of fate may be unbreakable, but does that mean we shouldn’t try?
“My grandmother never had choices—she couldn’t decide if she would marry, work, or even study past age 12,” Harris shares. “But through sewing, she created her own small rebellion. That’s the energy I want to bring to Needle Dance.”
Her work captures this constant battle between tradition and autonomy, challenging visitors to reflect on their own narratives.
An Art Experience You Can’t Just Scroll Past
In a world where art is often reduced to Instagram moments, Needle Dance refuses to be just another aesthetic. This is an experience you need to feel, hear, and move through.
Visitors will not only watch the film but also step into a gallery filled with imposing sculptures, textured visuals, and resonating soundscapes. The cinema setting at art’otel Hoxton adds another layer of immersion, ensuring every moment lingers long after leaving.
This exhibition is a bold, feminist reimagining of mythology, creativity, and power—and it’s only here for two weeks.
Exhibition Details
📍 art’otel London Hoxton
🎟 Free Entry
📅 17th February – 2nd March
