Jouska

About

Coined by John Koenig, The author of The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrow, an original dictionary of made-up words, which fills gaps in language with hundreds of new terms for emotions. He defines ‘Jouska' as a hypothetical conversation that one compulsively plays out in one's head—a crisp analysis, a cathartic dialogue, a devastating comeback. This reference to ‘Jouska’ not only serves as the title of the exhibition, but also as the shared inspiration for the 12 artists who participate the exhibition and the fundamental mechanism of their creative practices. 

The emotional and spiritual knowledge that situates itself in an imaginary and mental space are then transcended into a physical space; consciously and unconsciously encrypting and disguising itself in a series of objects and events. The boundary between imaginary and physical space is constantly being contested and redefined within these contemplative artworks both reflective and interactive. Unified by their earnest ambition to understand the discourse that essentially causes ambiguity within their own works. They communicate an emotional and spiritual authenticity with the desire to evoke feelings that come before expectations. Multiple realities gathered in one space as it constructs realms of relative autonomy. The actuality of the realities and ideas may remain obvious or could even disappear into the objects and experiences themselves. 

“Jouska” is curated by Kexin Coco Zhong. The exhibition includes works by twelve artists from Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London. The participating artists are Andres Valencia, Angelina Wang, David Kamara, Ellie Osbergy, Florence White, Jack Rooney, Juliette Hagg, Kengwu Lin, Natalia Laurindo, Nick Jordan, Rivka Cyprys, and Sonny Molloy.