What is the Meaning of Life? series of exhibitions – Sainsbury Centre, UEA, Norwich
This spring the Sainsbury Centre will ask What is the Meaning of Life? with a season of exhibitions and projects which delve into the
fundamental questions of human existence, from rulemaking to time, creativity and play.
Living by the Rule: Contemporary meets Medieval
16 May – 4 October 2026
Exploring the idea of routine and regulation, Living by the Rule: Contemporary meets Medieval reflects on the ‘rules’ that we live by today, through a dialogue between medieval experiments in a different way to live, and modern reflections upon how life is organised.
Play Power
16 May – 4 October 2026
Exploring the concept of play in human cultures, Play Power reflects on the broader significance of play and how this is integrated into our daily lives. Would we live a more meaningful life if play were a central focus of day-to-day living?
Joy Like Time
20 June – 15 November 2026
Joy Like Time explores how memory, ritual and renewal intersect through the work of internationally renowned artists – and how they have found life’s meaning through their practice via craft and repetition.
The What is the Meaning of Life? season also includes two newly commissioned artworks: Life in the Multiverse: Libby Heaney, a participatory digital installation using quantum computing; and CATKINS FOREVER: Ruth Ewan, which sees the artist working with people across Norfolk to unearth their personal stories relating to plants and trees.
TICKETS
Admission included in our Universal Ticket, available at Gallery Reception.
