
This recently completed garden at the South London Gallery is both a new public space and permanent outdoor artwork.
Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco conceived the work as a secret garden, a rambling and overgrown 'urban ruin' to be discovered and explored by the gallery's visitors. The backbone of the scheme is a series of circular areas paved in york stone, a material dating back millions of years. Bricks reclaimed from a new opening in the rear of the gallery have also been used. The planting features seasonal and perennial selections, including mosses, grasses, reeds and fragrant plants. A new walkway links the gallery to the housing estate at the rear of the garden, creating a new and direct connection with the local community.
Orozco, who worked with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and 6a Architects on this project, is a celebrated contemporary artist whose major exhibitions include mid-career retrospectives at MoMA, New York, and Tate Modern, London.
More information
Title of artwork, date
The Orozco Garden, 2016
Date supported
2016
Medium and material
York stone, reclaimed brick, metal, water and planting
Dimensions
330 sqm
Grant
70,000
Total cost
283,300

Get a National Art Pass and explore South London Gallery
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at South London Gallery
10% off in shop
Receive a 10% discount on all shop purchases at South London Gallery with your National Art Pass.
Expires: 1 Jan 2026
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art featured here, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.