The Illusionaries are an experiential art hub, hosting immersive exhibitions such as Entheon: “a journey into the realms of humanity and spirituality through a sanctuary of visionary art.”
Windows To The Greys
Renowned for their profound exploration of the human condition, international artists Alex and Allyson Grey’s artwork explores the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual planes. The name “Entheon” means a place to discover the “God” within, and it encapsulates the sanctuary’s mission to inspire visitors to explore the deeper hidden dimensions of their existence, and the interconnectedness of life.
Entheon’s design and structure reflect the Greys’ vision of a sacred space that embodies some of the universal symbols and archetypal themes found in mystical traditions. As an organisation, Entheon also serves as a cultural hub, hosting a variety of events, workshops, and ceremonies that foster creativity, community, and personal growth. Through its exhibitions and programmes, Entheon encourages a dialogue that invites individuals to engage with visionary art as a catalyst for awakening. It is a testament to both the expressive and transformative power of art, offering a space where the outer boundaries blend with the inner landscapes of the spirit.
The bustling metropolis of Canary Wharf, East London’s financial hub, may not seem like the most obvious place for an LSD-fuelled meditation on the human spirit, however Husband-and-wife team Alex and Allyson Grey approach spirituality and humanity with forms that complement and enhance each other. Through a series of projections and digital screens, Entheon takes us into the kaleidoscopic realm of their worldview.
Illuminating Illusions
This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to delve into the Grey’s visionary perspectives on consciousness, perception, and the human spirit, and is the first time the artists have showcased their work in the UK, despite an established career of global exhibitions. Alex and Allyson are also the co-founders of Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM), a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering creativity, spirituality and contemplation through art.
The series of rooms include 1) A Place To Discover The Creator Within: A 360° immersive experience of psychedelic visions introducing visitors to Entheon’s immense interconnected faces. 2) Progress Of The Soul: Set within a mirrored room, this space transforms notable artworks into a dynamic experience through stunning CG adaptations, allowing you to deep dive into the Greys’ visionary minds, where the reflections merge to create a labyrinth of exploration. 3) Steeplehead: A stone-encrusted meditation garden, featuring a 13-foot Steeplehead and a Secret Writing mural, enhanced by a projection mapping exhibit.
In the corridors you’ll find: 1) Chaos, Order & Secret Writing: This environment features Allyson Grey’s worldview including the secret of chaos and order, it guides viewers on a path of personal and collective discovery. 2) Sacred Mirrors: A celebration of Alex Grey’s renowned Sacred Mirror series of paintings which meticulously depict the human body, mind and spirit. 3) The Hall Of Beings: An infinity mirror corridor, inspired by Grey’s iconic piece of the same name.
A Calming Cacophony
Among the ever-changing artwork here are Allyson Grey’s rainbow mosaics; pulsating and rotating, they are adorned by characters from the “Secret Writing”, a 20-character alphabet which Allyson claims was revealed to her during an LSD trip in the early 1970s. Each glyph is constructed within the same square frame, with suggestions of connections to Greek and Egyptian heritage, among others. They are organised using automatic writing and “planned randomness.”
“Chaos, Order & Secret Writing” is Allyson Grey’s testimony to the profound connection between the mystical and the artistic. Her work invites viewers into a symbolic realm beyond the logical and linguistic, provoking the profound mystery of perceiving the divine. In this sense, there may not necessarily be literal meanings behind each word or sentence – the Greys are more concerned with eliciting the same emotional connection that one might feel when witnessing artefacts from lost civilisations.
Artists, as symbol makers, create codes that can bridge consciousnesses and evoke deeper meanings in the viewer, based on their own experiences. “Order” in Allyson’s artwork represents the vast, harmonious vistas of consciousness where all is interwoven and made of light; while “Chaos” signifies the inevitable entropy inherent in all systems of the material realm. The connected couple have a fascinating take on life, even if it may not align with one’s own. And while the trippy digital animation and CG manipulation of their artworks may seem overblown to some, Entheon is a very different take on the utilitarian aesthetic throughout the rest of Canary Wharf.
