Breathing isn’t just a bodily function. It allows us to speak, laugh and sing. It connects us to the outside world. It reflects our state of mind and can be consciously controlled. Breath has inspired art and literature. For many it has spiritual significance. The personal and cultural meaning of breathing goes beyond the simple act of keeping us alive.

Drawing on art, philosophy, anthropology, medical history, literature and music, this new exhibition combines research from the Life of Breath project with artist commissions and objects beyond, to show that breathing is so much more than a bodily function.