Arlau Explores Memory And Myth Within The Mist
Photo: Arlau’s Mesmerizing Vision: A Lone Figure Stands Beside a Towering Cross, Hidden in Misty Silence, Reflecting on Faith, Memory, and Identity.
Exploring Transience, Myth, And Identity Through Analogue Photography
Arlau’s Memories in Mist examines the transient nature of memory, identity, and myth through atmospheric analogue photography, set within the reflective and sacred space of The Chapel at St. Margaret’s.
I n the quiet embrace of The Chapel at St. Margaret’s House in London’s East End, a new exhibition, Memories in Mist, will unfurl its ethereal layers this December. Spearheaded by artist Arlau and curated by Margarita Makhanova — two members of the Waltham Collective — the show explores the ephemeral, mythological ties between memory, nature, and human presence, offering attendees a thought-provoking escape into fragility and transcendence.
Running from December 5–7, 2025, with an opening party on December 5 from 18:00–20:30, the exhibition transforms The Chapel into a meditative space, blending sacred architecture with evocative imagery to invite reflection on life’s fleeting beauty. Through her black-and-white analog photography, Arlau captures moments suspended in mist, symbolic of memory’s shifting terrain — fading yet holding the resonance of something sacred.
Arlau’s work masterfully captures the fragile beauty of existence, skillfully blending memory, landscape, and myth into haunting visual poetry.
The Art Within the Fog
The central motif of the exhibition is mist itself — a veil through which nature, faith, and humanity flicker and dissolve. The artist masterfully plays with themes of visibility and disappearance, creating imagery that straddles fragility and endurance. Self-portraits appear not as declarations of identity but as ghostlike presences immersed in landscapes, merging the physical and the symbolic.
Among the works, viewers are introduced to recurring motifs: a tree rising amidst fog, a cross in the distance, and figures fading into the background. Traversing themes of faith, myth, and the transience of existence, Memories in Mist offers visitors a meditative moment to contemplate their place in the wider tapestry of life.
Makhanova’s curatorial practice aligns seamlessly with Arlau’s intricate artistic approach, emphasizing accessibility and intimacy while inviting viewers to connect with the works through simplicity and resonance.
Arlau and Her Journey
Arlau’s artistic journey began at the age of eleven, rooted in analog photography and an enduring fascination with landscapes and self-portraiture. Her work investigates the delicate balance between human existence and nature’s permanence, infused with symbolism and myth. With academic expertise spanning Japanese language, history, culture, marketing, and global art markets, Arlau brings a deeply reflective approach to her photography.
Curating Connections
Curator Margarita Makhanova is known for bringing inclusivity, playfulness, and simplicity to her exhibitions, ensuring that art becomes accessible and relatable without losing its depth. Her approach invites audiences into a living conversation with the works, allowing for immersive interpretations. Memories in Mist marks Makhanova’s third curated exhibition in London.
Why It Matters
In a world defined by uncertainty and existential anxiety, the themes presented in Memories in Mist strike a chord with contemporary audiences. The exhibition offers a sanctuary of reflection, asking timeless questions: how do memory and myth shape our understanding of being? What persists when the mist disappears?
Set within the serene ambiance of a chapel, the exhibition bridges deep tradition and inquisitive storytelling. It evokes childhood roots, cultural familiarity, and mythological wonder — offering a momentary pause from the chaos of modern life to find comfort in human continuity. Arlau’s imagery honors the fleeting yet profound beauty of existence, tracing memory not simply as personal nostalgia but also as a collective thread woven through time.
About Waltham Collective
Founded in 2024, the Waltham Collective is an informal group of North East London-based artists and curators exploring intersections of heritage, landscape, and contemporary storytelling. The collaboration between Arlau and Makhanova reflects their shared artistic ethos.
Exhibition Details
Dates: December 5–7, 2025 | 11:00–17:00
Opening Party: December 5 | 18:00–20:30
Venue: The Chapel, St. Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Rd., London E2 9PL
Whether you’re an art enthusiast looking to write a review, an admirer of photography’s ephemeral beauty, or simply seeking a contemplative moment away, Memories in Mist promises to leave visitors with lingering reflections. Stay tuned for exclusive angles and curator walkthroughs on December 5.
For those curious about what traces remain after the mist lifts, this exhibition is a must-see this December.
