Ikon and macLYON present works by over twenty artists from the British Council Collection and macLYON that explore the meaning and role of friendship in contemporary life. Curated collaboratively, the exhibition interrogates friendship as a fundamental human relationship that is essential to individual well-being and society. Taking place in the partner cities of Birmingham and Lyon, Friends in Love and War - L’Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es also reflects on diplomatic friendships and how regional capitals and cultural organisations can create new ways of living and working together in a post-Brexit climate. The exhibition spans painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, textile, film, sculpture and installation, combining existing and new works by international and Birmingham-based artists to form a rich depiction of our complex personal and political friendships.

Curated by Marilou Laneuville (Head of Exhibitions and Publications, macLYON) and Melanie Pocock (Artistic Director, Exhibitions, Ikon), the exhibition is presented at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham (2 October 2024 – 23 February 2025), following a presentation in Lyon earlier this year.

This exhibition is supported by the British Council and is presented as part of Spotlight on Culture UK/France 2024 – Together We Imagine, with additional support from Fluxus Art Projects and Birmingham City University.

This exhibition is presented as part of Ikon’s 60th anniversary year.