"29 Dates in 30 Days: the sexual autobiography of online dating"

About

Italian actress, writer and screenwriter Miriam Vanessa Gagino will debut her first interactive exhibition at the Brick Lane Gallery, “29 Dates in 30 Days: The Sexual Autobiography of Online Dating” part of the “Art in Mind & Abstract” collective. Running
from November 5 to 18, this London gallery—known for showcasing emerging artists like
Bob and Roberta Smith, Wolfgang Tillmans, and contemporary street legends such as
Banksy and Faile—will serve as the backdrop for a project that offers a fresh perspective on modern relationships.

THE ORIGIN OF THE PROJECT: FROM EXPERIMENT TO EXHIBITION
The project originates from Miriam's article, “I Went on 29 Dates in 30 Days and This is
What I’ve Learned – A Journey into Sex and Double Booking,” in which she candidly
documents her experiences in an attempt to deeply explore the dynamics of contemporary dating. This work draws on a series of dates she has navigated in the past year, capturin each encounter with striking honesty and revealing the deeper, often painful aspects of the relentless search for connection in an age where love often boils down to a swipe on an app.

Through her exploration of 29 dates in 30 days, Miriam Vanessa Gagino examines the
superficiality, alienation, and loneliness that many young adults face in today’s romantic
landscape. This personal diary of encounters not only reflects her individual journey but also paints a collective portrait of modern loneliness. The exhibition presents these insights in an interactive visual narrative, providing the audience with a direct glimpse into the challenges and social dynamics that shape the dating experience.

AN INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION
“29 Dates in 30 Days: The Sexual Autobiography of Online Dating” is more than just a
recounting of personal experiences; Miriam transforms her experiences into an interactive journey, inviting the audience to actively participate in the story. Visitors can explore the author's confessions through an iPad interface, where each “swipe” represents a choice: to continue getting to know her or to walk away, mirroring the dynamics of modern dating apps. Each decision unlocks a cinematic projection of potential dates that were not chosen, transforming the gallery into an immersive experience that explores the complexity of intimacy and interpersonal relationships.

A canvas within the exhibition symbolizes the “body count,” depicted as a sheet with pillows, while street art-style writings evoke the atmosphere of a demonstration. This creates a dialogue around relational experiences and highlights the importance of discussing themes such as intimacy and sexuality. Miriam encourages participants to reflect on their own journeys and engage in a collective conversation about these crucial topics.

With a combination of storytelling, performance, and multimedia, the installation provides viewers with an intimate glimpse into experiences that, while deeply personal, resonate with a universal truth: the feeling of being alone in a crowd while endlessly searching for genuine connection.

This artistic format not only challenges the audience to confront their own biases but also
highlights the power dynamics and social expectations that often govern romantic choices, opening a window on what attracts and repels people.

AN INTIMATE AND PROVOCATIVE ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE
The exhibition “29 Dates in 30 Days” aligns with the path laid by artists like Marina
Abramović and thinkers like Bell Hooks, exploring female vulnerability as a creative force.
Miriam Gagino’s work becomes a manifesto inviting exploration of the challenges of seeking affection and understanding in a social context often characterized by superficial
interactions.

The Brick Lane Gallery, which has hosted significant artists, becomes the ideal setting for
this project that merges the depth of artistic thought with the contemporary nature of
relational experiences. Through her personal journey, Miriam Gagino delves into the folds of vulnerability and alienation that many experience in the search for affection and
understanding in a world often marked by fleeting and superficial interactions. This project represents a raw reflection on the complexity of relationships in the digital age, a theme that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

AN AUTHENTIC AND COURAGEOUS VOICE

With “29 Dates in 30 Days: the sexual autobiography of online dating” Miriam establishes herself as an authentic voice in the international art scene. Her works not only narrate
intimate experiences but also reflect the complex social dynamics that influence women's
lives. The exhibition invites reflection on current themes such as sexualization, depression, and “body count,” posing critical questions about how society judges women's experiences.

“I wanted to include my 'body count' in this exhibition to emphasize how
women are at the center of the artistic journey, not the 29 men. It’s what
frightens and ostracizes the female figure that interests me,” says Miriam.
“Themes like depression, sexuality, and 'body count' are still very relevant, and
the reality is they drive away potential partners. Nevertheless, I choose to
celebrate my past and the figures that have shaped me, recognizing that they
too are more than just shadows.”

This exhibition presents an emotional experience, inviting the audience to reflect on their
relationship with connection, solitude, and human interaction.

**Press Office Miriam Vanessa Gagino**
Contact: Laetitia Chaillou (mail: press.laetitia@gmail.com)