Curated by Ana Paola Flores

6 Sugar House Lane, London, E15 2QS

PV: Thursday, 19th September, 6 – 9pm
Open: 20th September – 26th October 2024

The group is formed by artists Arty McFly, Claudia Martignetti, Jeehee Kim, Lawrence Kirk, Minori Murata, Arabella Simpson, James Lang, Milly Aburrow, 33, Janice Kei, Sandra Blow, Robin Belluci, and Cait Robinson. Curator: Ana Paola Flores.
Arty McFly recently exhibited at NOW Gallery, Metamorphika, DiJonss, and SET Woolwich in London. Claudia Martignetti has exhibited at Bermondsey Project Space and Dog House in London. Minori Murata has shown at Parco Museum Tokyo and Daikanyama Tsutaya. Jeehee Kim, a Chelsea Arts Club Trust member since 2023, has shown work at The Art Pavilion, Cookhouse Gallery, and The Crypt Gallery. Janice Kei has been featured in PAP, Sicky, and Schon Magazines. Sandra Blow, a Latinx artist, has photography in MOMA’s permanent collection.

“Imaginary Friends” unveils a collective artist exhibition with performances, a teddy-making workshop, and an artist Q&A, promising an immersive, inclusive, and playful adult experience. Centered on sculptural practice fixated on nostalgic playthings, infused with the uncanny, vintage forms evoke shared memories, employing nostalgia to provoke the uncanny. Integrating likenesses onto toys merges faces and body parts, intensifying the tension between familiarity and discomfort. Despite their grotesque shapes, their vivid resemblance heightens this contrast. This exhibition invites viewers to delve into childhood nostalgia and adult unease amidst a sea of teddies and varied media.

Public Programme

‘TeddyLand’ is a unique teddy-making workshop where participants can create their dream teddy by combining parts from pre-loved teddies. With a wide selection of styles, characters, and sizes, their large-scale workshops offer an immersive, playful environment. This hands-on activity fosters textile skills and imagination, allowing participants to craft a unique, treasured fluffy friend. The process is therapeutic and ideal for group fun. The artist invites local audiences to donate soft toys, enhancing community participation. ‘TeddyLand’ also features a display of contributed teddies, deepening the communal art experience. Join them to create your one-of-a-kind teddy in this magical workshop!