The art show exploring self-worth in the 21st century
- Text by Niall Flynn
![The art show exploring self-worth in the 21st century](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Ruth-Ossai-%E2%80%93-Vanessa-Ohenlen_-Yasmine-Atta_-Fadekemi-Ogunsanya_-Josiane-Pozi_-Ejatu-Shaw_-Funmi-Lijadu-1-copy1.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
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.
![Elizabeth Gabrielle Lee – model Kelly](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Elizabeth-Gabrielle-Lee-–-model-Kelly.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
“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.”
![Ruth Ossai – Ejatu Shaw_ Josiane Pozi_ Funmi Lijadu](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Ruth-Ossai-–-Ejatu-Shaw_-Josiane-Pozi_-Funmi-Lijadu.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Elizabeth Gabrielle Lee – model Azura](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Elizabeth-Gabrielle-Lee-–-model-Azura.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
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.
Latest on Huck
![Autism cannot be cured — stop trying](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/shutterstock_2322534063.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.
Written by: Jodie Hare
![Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Hashem-Shakeri-from-the-series-_Staring-into-the-Abyss_.-%C2%A9-Hashem-Shakeri.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.
Written by: Ben Smoke
![Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/web-Eyanna-has-always-been-Maliks-primary-caregiver.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/7_ULTRAMAGNETIC-MCS_NYC-1990.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.
Written by: Miss Rosen
![In photos: the dogs of Dogtown](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/saguy_dogtown_02_RGB.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
In photos: the dogs of Dogtown
A new photobook documents Venice Beach’s four legged friends and their colourful cast of owners.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![Inside the battle to stop coal](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/DSC00173.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Inside the battle to stop coal
As the legal challenge against Britain’s first deep coal mine in 30 years reaches the High court, we talk to activists at the centre of the fight to stop it.
Written by: Ben Smoke