The Joy of Destruction
22 April – 18 June 2023
BACKLIT
NG3 1JG, Alfred House
Nottingham, UK
BACKLIT is delighted to present The Joy of Destruction, an exhibition exploring disruptions of oppressive power systems in gaming, world-building, and simulation. The exhibition showcases avant-garde and Queer art practices and platforms work by local, national, and international artists: Rebecca Allen, Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Uma Breakdown, Wingshan Smith, Robert Yang.
The exhibition is a reflection of BACKLIT’s foundations as an LGBTQ+ and female-led arts organisation and continues to build upon the relationship and commitment to its communities as a safe space for critical conversations. The exhibition considers how the process of destruction can be a tool for creation and building new frameworks for the existence of disorder and openness. Digital simulation, explored in the exhibition, allows the artists to imagine alternative universes, where oppressive rules and systems are put into question.
The exhibition also asks us to consider how protest and resistance is often at the core of Queer and avant-garde creative practices.
We are looking forward to welcoming you all to The Joy of Destruction.”
BACKLIT gallery will be transformed into an immersive space filled with large-scale projections, playable games, and holograms. The exhibition is accompanied by a series of events, inviting visitors to find joy in destruction. This exhibition is supported by Arts Council England, Nottingham Trent University, Confetti and LEADD:NG. Curated by Matthew Chesney and Jazz Swali.
Learning and Community Programme:
Drop in Spot Talks with Pending Collective:
29 April, 12-5 pm, with Gabriela Amaral and Lizzie Keen
13 May, 12-5 pm, with Chloe Gamble
20 May, 12-5 pm, with Brianna Lewis
Instapoetry workshop: Booking Required at BACKLIT.org.uk
29 April, 1-3 pm with Panya Banjoko
13 May, 1-3 pm with Panya Banjoko
16 June, 1-3 pm, open Archive drop-in with handling objects and VR experience with Panya Banjoko.
©2023 BACKLIT
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