Snuff Bottles Grow Eyes and Paint Sings in São Paulo

A snuff bottle isn’t always pocket-sized—just ask Hannah Lim, whose London exhibition transforms these historic keepsakes into towering, whimsical sculptures. Drawing from both Chinese and medieval bestiaries, Lim fuses mythic creatures and personal heritage, crafting playful, oversized bottles adorned with unexpected limbs and eyes. Meanwhile, in Düsseldorf, Heidi Hahn’s painted figures resist easy interpretation, folding into abstract shapes that invite viewers to feel rather than simply observe. Her approach, which she calls “narrative formalism,” blurs the line between subject and medium, offering a quiet counterpoint to classic odalisques. In Edinburgh, Elfyn Lewis channels the energy of Welsh alt-rock, painting small canvases that pulse with the color and attitude of vinyl album covers. Each piece nods to a musical legacy that helped shape modern Welsh identity. From San Francisco’s moody cityscapes to São Paulo’s vibrant group show, these exhibitions prove that art’s power lies in its ability to remix tradition, amplify community, and surprise the senses. #contemporaryart #culturalheritage #globalexhibitions #Culture