The art show exploring self-worth in the 21st century
- Text by Niall Flynn
A new exhibition dedicated to exploring coping mechanisms in the 21st century is opening in London this week. Titled Am I Making Sense, the group show focuses on how young people have turned to ideas of spirituality in order to process ideas of self-worth and positive thought.
Curated by Ashleigh Kane and focusing on the work of three artists – Shon Faye, Elizabeth Gabrielle Lee and Ruth Ossai, in collaboration with Ib Kamara – the show opens to the public on Friday 3rd November at the Hoxton Arches. Encompassing photography, film, set design, and “subtle sensory elements”, Am I Making Sense is an immersive celebration of self, which sees each of the aforementioned exploring an affirmation that is personal to them individually. The exhibition is the third in a series of collaborative events as part of the newly formed Melissa Collective, courtesy of Brazilian show brand Melissa.
“I was drawn to working with each artist because while their output, aesthetics and execution are different, their works are centred by identity,” Kane explains in a statement. “Each fearlessly embraces alternative perspectives informed by their diverse experiences and desires to push representation forward.”
“By working with each of these artists, I hope to reach people who might be experiencing those feelings or questioning their own sense of self. We know our heads can be a scary place, but the idea of working with affirmations is the notion that that same mind can also be an important tool to help steer things in another, more positive, direction. I’ve never underestimated the power of positive thought and hope that through these artists being brave enough to tap into their own insecurities about their identities and turning them into moments of strength, other people can relate, and ultimately do so too.”
Am I Making Sense is open to the public at London’s Hoxton Arches on Friday November 3rd, 2017.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
New exhibition highlights British radical living over 200 years
Earthly Paradise — Taking place at the William Morris Gallery, it explores the homes and lives of artists, writers, musicians and more, as well as the conditions that allowed them to thrive.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Kristina Rozhkova’s scatty, confronting portrait of captivity
Gut Feeling — The Russian artist’s 2024 arrest and subsequent detention opened her eye towards the omnipresent dynamics of power and control. Her new photobook is a stark exploration of being trapped.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Washing strangers’ feet at Houghton Festival
Pedilavium — As part of artist Henry Krokatsis’s performance piece at the weekender, we sat down with over 30 others to clean the dusty digits of passersby, while reflecting on the power of collective ritual and human connection.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The anti-tourism guides revealing Lisbon’s true, radical heart
We Hate Tourism Tours — The Portuguese capital sees millions of people visit a year, against a backdrop of political turbulence and a housing crisis fuelled by short term holiday lets. Jack Burke meets the crew subverting their city’s perception, while bringing lesser seen stories and monuments to light.
Written by: Jack Burke
The art of paying attention: How Austria’s Alps reward slowing down
Lebensgefühl — With a growing movement of art and music rooted in the area’s mountains, trees and waterfalls, the region is showcasing the importance of the human relationship to nature.
Written by: Sophie Lou Wilson
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen