Holding Space explores the role of reproductive refusal in climate activism. The exhibition, which comprises an animation, painting objects, bespoke furniture, research material, and community gatherings, invites audiences to consider different ways of conceiving the future in the face of climate emergency.   

Taking breath as a metaphor for the intimate relationship between body and environment, this animation touches on the personal and political stakes of reproductive refusal.  In response to what the animation’s protagonist calls the violent comforts of late capitalism, refusal is here reclaimed as a generative and loving act.  

︎ Watch an extract of the animation ︎︎︎

A series of painting objects draw themes and imagery from the animation out into the gallery space; with allusions to extraction and burnout, depression and navel gazing.  The moons that cycle throughout the space evoke natural rhythms and the passing of time.

For the exhibition at God’s House Tower, modular furniture was made in collaboration with my partner using surplus timber from Weber Industries, the “family business” where we both work. The flexible, flatpack design creates a furniture “kit” that the gallery team can re-purpose for future exhibitions and events.  Elsewhere, shredded documents produced by my administrative labour for the business provides material for new painting objects.

During the course of the exhibition, I hosted regular gatherings for a small group who responded to the themes of Holding Space.  The aim of these gatherings was to build a sense of collective enquiry and establish the roots of a community that could continue to meet and support each other in the future. Outcomes from the workshops were incorporated into the exhibition, forming a generative archive that will inspire the next chapter of this research.

Holding Space was originally commissioned by ‘a space’ arts for their Climate Action Programme.  As part of the project, we calculated the carbon footprint of the production period for the exhibition.

︎ You can read our Environmental Impact Report here ︎︎︎  

With special thanks to Mia Delve, the God’s House Tower team, and the small group participants.