Peter Doig’s House of Music: A Celebration of Sound, Vision
and Print
The Significance of the ‘House of Music’ Exhibition
The Peter Doig: House of Music exhibition at the Serpentine South Gallery in London offered one of the most imaginative presentations of the artist’s recent work, transforming the gallery into a space where painting and music coexist in dialogue. Rather than a traditional exhibition, House of Music emphasised the visceral experience of art: visitors were invited to not just view but hear, sit, linger and contemplate the works within a rich, multi‑sensory environment.
This show marked a notable moment in Doig’s practice. For the first time, his paintings were paired with sound throughout the gallery, using rare, restored analogue speakers (including 1950s Klangfilm Euronor and early 20th‑century Western Electric/Bell Labs systems) to play selections from his extensive vinyl and cassette collection.
By integrating sound and visual art, House of Music underscored the deep connection between Doig’s painting and the music that has shaped both his creative process and the cultural landscapes he captures. The exhibition drew on decades of personal and artistic dependence on music, inviting visitors into a communal space of listening and looking.
Inspiration and Creative Process Behind the Works
Music has long been integral to Doig’s artistic life. Songs, rhythms and soundscapes inform the mood, rhythm and imagery of many of his works, where the visual often feels akin to a melodic composition. In House of Music, this dialogue between sound and image became explicit: paintings depict musicians, sound systems or landscapes that evoke musical memory.
Many of the works on show draw on Doig’s prolonged residence in Trinidad (2002–21), where the vibrant street music culture, sound systems and everyday rhythms became part of his visual vocabulary. His images often weave together memory, found photography and imaginative scenes to create compositions that feel as atmospheric and evocative as music itself.
Recurring motifs, such as lions seen roaming tropical landscapes, originate from his photographs taken in Port of Spain and reference the Lion of Judah, a Rastafarian symbol of pride, resistance and spiritual force. These figures have appeared repeatedly in his work over the past decade, gaining depth and resonance within the House of Music context.
Incorporating vintage sound technology and curated playlists selected from Doig’s archives, the exhibition created an immersive environment where paintings could be experienced in a way that parallels listening to music. The presence of comfortable seating, soft lighting and live “Sound Service” sessions further softened the boundary between art and communal experience.
The ‘House of Music’ Print Series: What They Offer
On the occasion of House of Music, Doig collaborated with HENI Editions to produce a limited series of eight House of Music prints based on works from the exhibition. These prints are exquisite giclée works on smooth cotton rag, presented in oak frames with UV‑protective acrylic, each hand‑signed and hand‑numbered by the artist.
Available in two sizes, smaller editions of 250 (+ 25 artist proofs) and larger editions of 15 (+ 5 artist proofs), the prints offer collectors a rare opportunity to own high‑quality works connected to one of Doig’s most compelling projects.
Each print retains the evocative power of the original paintings while making them accessible to a broader audience. The series includes iconic images such as Painting for a Poet, Lion in the Road and Music of the Future, each reflecting the fusion of visual poetry and musical inspiration at the heart of the House of Music concept.
These prints serve as both an entry point for new enthusiasts and a prized addition for seasoned collectors, offering the chance to engage with Doig’s unique aesthetic and poetic narratives in a format that balances rarity with attainability.
Collecting or Selling House of Music Works with Lougher
If you are interested in collecting or selling works from Peter Doig’s House of Music series or related editions, Lougher can assist. Lougher specialises in connecting buyers and sellers of contemporary fine art, providing expertise to ensure informed and confident decisions when engaging with limited‑edition prints and other artworks. Whether you are building a collection or looking to realise value from existing pieces, Lougher offers personalised support tailored to your goals, just get in touch.
