Enchanted Alchemies

UH Arts + Culture are delighted to present an exhibition that draws from the University of Hertfordshire Art Collection to explore rituals, beliefs, myths and the intersection of folklore and the natural world.

What lies beneath the surface of the rational world? Across generations, artists and makers have acted as conduits for the unexplained, transforming the hidden rhythms of nature and the whispers of the past into tangible form.

For centuries, we have looked to the stars, the soil, and the spirits to make sense of a mysterious and often chaotic world. Rather than presenting mystery as a puzzle to be "solved," the exhibition frames it as an ongoing, collaborative dialogue between people and the unknown to reveal how "magical thinking" continues to shape our identities today.

Painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, glass and metalwork from the University’s permanent art collection – some of which have not been exhibited before – provide a rich tapestry of media across the gallery spaces. Together, the works consider the enduring influence of the natural and the supernatural in contemporary society.

For more information visit https://www.uharts.co.uk/whats-on/2026/enchanted-alchemies