"Chaos and Hope" curated by Alysha Nelson

About

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.

You should totally come xoxo

About the curator:
Alysha Nelson (@alyshanelson) is a multidisciplinary creative, producer and curator working across games, virtual & augmented reality, live art, theatre, spatial sound, projection mapping, and text. Her work explores perception, consciousness, climate resilience, and marginalised histories. Exhibited internationally at BFI Southbank, Glastonbury, Venice Film Festival, Tribeca, SXSW, Sheffield DocFest, and more. Past projects have earned an Emmy nomination, Cannes Lions shortlist, Best Use of Digital (Museum & Heritage Awards), Storyscapes Award (Tribeca), Best Debut (Raindance), Best in the World (QLD XR Festival), SXSW Innovation Award nomination, Webby Honoree, Blooloop Innovation Award & nominations for Special Jury Prize, Grand Jury Prize, & Best Experience (Venice Film Festival).

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