Hope and Resistance, a community exhibition

What an incredible evening! So, I had the chance to be part of an amazing exhibition hosted by photographer Connor Pope, the creative force behind @brumstills on Instagram. The event brought together 15 talented artists from different creative fields—photographers, fashion designers, painters, and collage artists—all showcasing their work under the theme Hope and Resistance. From start to finish, the experience was 10/10, with everyone working together as a team to make everything look the part. The silence throughout everyone's concentration whilst installing the work was low-key so humourous, it was giving library.

The exhibition took place at Nexus Cafe, in their side room, which felt like the perfect space for displaying art, white walls and loads of natural light. One of my favorite parts of the setup was the conversation corner, where artists and attendees could chat, connect, and share thoughts about the show. It wasn’t just about looking at the art; it was about engaging with the people behind it, hearing different perspectives, and forming new creative connections.

For me, this exhibition was about more than just showing a piece of my work—it felt personal. The theme Hope and Resistance really hit home after a tough 2024. Last year was hectic, and honestly, I barely had the time or creative energy to dedicate to my practice. I was having issues with my health, which, you can imagine, didn't spark much determination nor welcome any creativity. Being part of this exhibition felt like a fresh start, a way to reclaim my creativity and remind myself why I love making art. It was my own little act of resistance—pushing through the challenges and finding hope in what’s ahead.

The piece I chose to exhibit was all about my favorite elements—texture and shape. I love playing with different materials and forms, creating work that makes people want to reach out and touch it (even though, of course, exhibitions are a strict look but don’t touch situation!), but I did give the go-ahead when I could see the temptation on people's faces. There’s something exciting about making a piece that invites that kind of interaction, even if only visually.

What made this event even more special was being surrounded by such a diverse group of creatives, each bringing their own interpretation of Hope and Resistance to the space. Seeing how everyone approached the theme in their own unique way was so inspiring. It reminded me just how powerful art can be in expressing resilience, strength, and optimism.

At the end of the day, this exhibition was about connection, conversation, and finding renewed motivation. Walking away from the event, I felt a real sense of encouragement and excitement for what’s ahead. 2025 is already looking brighter, and I’m feeling ready to dive back into my practice with fresh inspiration.

Massive shoutout to Connor Pope for organizing such a brilliant event and to all the artists who took part—it was an absolute privilege to be involved.