The Long Now – How Art Shapes Emotion, Space, and Design

Curated by Philippa Adams

Last night I had the absolute pleasure of attending The Long Now at the iconic Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, thanks to my incredibly talented friend Philippa Adams (the curator ) — an exhibition marking forty years of the gallery’s influence on contemporary art. Supported by De Beers London, this exhibition felt like a time capsule and a future vision rolled into one, a reminder that art doesn’t just decorate our spaces — it defines how we feel within them.

Walking through the rooms, I was instantly drawn into the dialogue between materials, texture, and emotion. From Richard Wilson’s legendary 20:50 installation — an entire room filled waist-deep with recycled engine oil that perfectly mirrors the space around it — to Jenny Saville’s Passage, a breathtaking study of modern bodies, the exhibition felt like a conversation about permanence, transformation, and human expression.

As an interior designer, I’m constantly reminded that art is the heartbeat of a room. It tells the story, sets the mood, and grounds the energy of a space. Great interiors aren’t just about beautiful furniture or finishes — they’re about feeling. Art introduces that pulse — whether it’s a bold contemporary piece in a minimalist home or a subtle landscape that softens modern architecture.

What struck me most about The Long Now was its focus on long-term thinking — the idea of slowing down in an age obsessed with speed. Each piece challenged our throwaway culture, asking us to reconnect with craftsmanship, thought, and the meaning behind what we surround ourselves with. It’s a message that deeply resonates with how I design: spaces that are not just stylish, but soulful and lasting.

The juxtaposition of works by Olafur Eliasson, Chris Levine, and Conrad Shawcross created a beautiful interplay between light, reflection, and innovation — all elements that inspire my own work when layering interiors with depth and emotion. These artists remind us that light, like art, is transformative. It shapes perspective, mood, and flow — much like the perfect piece of art in a home.

As I left the gallery, the mirrored surface of 20:50 still lingered in my mind — a reflection not just of the architecture, but of the way we perceive beauty and space. It reminded me that design and art share the same purpose: to move us, to make us think, and to make us feel at home in the world.

If you’re in London between now and March, The Long Now is an absolute must-see. Whether you’re an art lover, a designer, or simply someone curious about how creativity shapes our everyday lives, it’s an experience that reminds us that art is not an accessory — it’s an atmosphere.

Naomi xx