HARD TIMES

curated by Ian Dawson and Nicky Hirst, Koppel X Piccadilly Circus London, 5th-16th October 2022

Participating Artists : Aileen Kelly | Alex Hegazy | Carolyn Whittaker | Chuting Lee | Diana Wolzak Ellie Reid | Ian Dawson | Joe Madeira | Matt Foster | Nicky Hirst Rachael Causer | Susan Young | Tania Salha | Thomas Witherick | Tina Culverhouse

The Exhibition Hard Times was staged on the site of a former Barclays Bank directly underneath The Piccadilly Lights. For the duration of the show the work of fifteen artists evolved in the space, incorporating performance, improvisational making, talks, seminars, sculpture and creative writing workshops. This was a collaborative venture between all of the participating artists which brought to mind the dynamic trope of a circus troupe. Taking thematic inspiration from Dickens' Hard Times the exhibition unfolded through 3 stages; Sowing, Reaping and Garnering. In Dickens' novel the circus plays a pivotal role as a place for learning through experience, and this exhibition sought to bring a mindfulness to materials, place and people to unravel the uncertainties and contradictions held within our own 'hard times'

The catalogue is a partial record of the work and activities occurring in the ten days residency between 5th and 16th October which auspiciously coincided with Liz Truss' brief and calamitous tenure as the British Prime Minister.