Join us for a literary and artistic evening with Sir Ben Okri, Rosemary Clunie and Ekow Eshun to celebrate the launch of the publication ‘The True Artist Breaks Out of Jail’ (2026) at Hauser & Wirth London.

The evening will bring together the three speakers to explore the ideas, themes and creative perspectives at the heart of Sir Ben Okri’s latest publication, ‘The True Artist Breaks Out of Jail,’ which combines fiction, essays and poetry with artworks made in collaboration with painter Rosemary Clunie. Extending the possibilities of text and image, Okri and Clunie envision a bold and fresh journey through a world in urgent need of imaginative renewal.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Please note that this event will take place in the South Gallery, with seats being allocated on a first come, first basis. Complimentary drinks will be served upon arrival.

Copies of the publication will be available to purchase during the evening.

This event is presented in partnership with Ursula magazine and The Glenrothes.

About Sir Ben Okri
Sir Ben Okri is a poet, novelist, essayist, short story writer, anthologist, aphorist, playwright, script writer and cultural activist. His works have won numerous national and international prizes, including the Booker Prize for Fiction. In 2019, his novel, ‘Astonishing the Gods,’ was selected as one of the BBC’s ‘100 novels that shaped our world.’ He has received many honorary doctorates for his contribution to literature, including a knighthood in 2023. Okri has been a Fellow Commoner in Creative Arts at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, and a Visiting Professor of Literature at Leicester University. He is an Honorary Fellow at Mansfield College, University of Oxford.

About Rosemary Clunie
Rosemay Clunie is a painter, printmaker, video artist and children’s book writer. She has exhibited widely since 1991, including: 2024 Venice Biennale, Italy; 2022 British Art Fair; and The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Her paintings are held in eminent private and public collections. She is a long-time collaborator of Sir Ben Okri.

About Ekow Eshun
Ekow Eshun is a writer and curator. He is Chairman of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, and the former Director of the ICA, London, UK. Eshun has curated exhibitions including, the critically acclaimed ‘In the Black Fantastic,’ Hayward Gallery, London, UK (2022); and is author of the books ‘Africa State of Mind’ (2020) and ‘Black Gold of the Sun’ (2005), shortlisted for The Orwell Prize. He has contributed to books on artists including: Mark Bradford; Chris Ofili; Kehinde Wiley; John Akomfrah; and Wangechi Mutu. His writing has appeared in publications including the New York Times, Financial Times and The Guardian.

About The Glenrothes
The Glenrothes is a renowned Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in Rothes, Moray, Scotland. For nearly 150 years, The Glenrothes have distilled a spirit of unparalleled elegance that matures in a truly distinctive way. At its core is their exceptionally pure water—whisky’s most essential ingredient—naturally filtered through volcanic bedrock and sourced straight from the grounds of The Glenrothes Estate. Crafted by a small team of lifelong whisky makers, only a limited quantity is available each year.

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Photographs will be taken at this event for use on the Hauser & Wirth website, social media and in other marketing materials.