Chaos and Hope
curated by Alysha nelson
Hypha Gallery Sugar House Island 1. 6 Sugar House Lane, London, E15 2QS
PV: Thursday, 14th November, 6 – 9pm
Open: 1st November- 7th December, Thursday – Sunday, 12 – 6pm
Chaos and Hope: A Playground for Change is a presentation of selected works that interrogate the interplay between moments of disturbance and hope; positing play as a pivotal yet frequently marginalised construct that underpins the emotional resilience essential for sustained activism. This exhibit transmutes the gallery space into an arena of creative defiance, facilitating an embodied conversation via the convergence of still and live, performance and spectator, community and participation; a critical examination of play’s ontological role as a transformative agent – one that can catalyse profound social change and collective empowerment.
i-dont-have-an-art-history-phd translation:
Marginalised artists are TIRED of constantly being expected to centre suffering in their work, & of feeling like their pain is being commodified. Yes, struggle is real, but so is ݁ ⟡ ݁ joy ݁ ⟡ ݁ ., and this exhibit is a celebration of that.
Joy and play are often overlooked, but they’re essential for keeping movements alive and sustainable. This exhibit is a protest, challenging the typical gallery experience by breaking down the barriers between artist x viewer, and the traditional white-box art world. It asks, who gets to decide what art is, and who art is actually for? By making space for play and joy (!!!), these artists are taking back control and reshaping the narrative.
Artists
Chris Tegho
Christine Adams
Elisabeth Gunawan
Saksi Bisou
Frederick Kannemeyer
Futuristic Pagan
Hugo Schaepelynck
Ksenia Kazintseva
Theo Ritzinger
Vroomlab
Mostafa S. Ebrahimi
Yekta Jebelli
Meghna Saji
June Kuhn
Featured Artworks
Elisabeth Gunawan
2023
Theatre AW7I7454
Elisabeth Gunawan
2024
Photography
Elisabeth Gunawan
2022
Photography
Elisabeth Gunawan
2024
Photography and Digital Art
Jackson Chifamba & Joel Chandauka
Year: 2024
360 Film
Ksenia Kazintseva
Oil, wax, acrylic, ink and thread on found table cloth
2024
1.5x2m.jpeg
Ksenia Kazintseva
Mixed media installation
2024
1x1x1m
Ksenia Kazintseva
Acrylic on wood
2023
120x50cm
Chris Tegho
Technology, 3D modeling, AI
Christine Adams
Elisabeth Gunawan
2023
Theatre
AW7I7454 2
Frederick Kannemeyer
The concept of disposability in play is central to this work. It questions the fleeting attachment we form to things, especially toys, which are often symbols of joy, comfort, and nostalgia in childhood, yet are quickly outgrown or forgotten. Through poignant imagery, the project gives new life to these neglected objects, suggesting that while they may no longer serve their original purpose, they still possess a hidden value—the stories and memories they hold.
This series captures the intersection between materiality and memory, revealing how objects fill the emotional void left behind after their use ends.
Futuristic Pagan
Hugo Schaepelynck
2024
Performance 30min
Mostafa S. Ebrahimi & Meghna Saji
2024
3D Models, Arduino
Mostafa S. Ebrahimi
2024
Medium: Virtual Reality
Yekta Jebelli
2024
Digital Illustration
25×25
Theo Ritzinger
2023
47.2 x 30.3cm
Oil on Panel
Theo Ritzinger
2023
34.7 x 44.3 x 6.6 cm
Acrylic, Balsa, Birch-ply, Oil on Panel
Theo Ritzinger
2023
40x47cm
Oil on Panel
contact information
Email: [email protected]
Website: alyshanelson.com
Socials: @alyshanelson