Hot Desque presents “Holding Cosmic Dust,” an exhibition intervention at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester, UK. The exhibition features contemporary artworks by women and female-identifying artists alongside the museum’s permanent collection of locally found archaeological artefacts. The project explores the connections between archaeology, history, and fantasy.
From January 20th to March 19th, 2024, visitors can experience the unique exhibition, which showcases the works of Holly Graham, Rubie Green, Rebeca Romero, Amba Sayal-Bennett, Abel Shah, and Suzanne Treister. These pieces, scattered throughout the museum, tell the story of a speculative, matriarchal society that once inhabited the area. Each artwork adds its own narrative to the overall story, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. Accompanying the objects is a video almanac that further delves into the speculative framework and examines the potential meanings behind the objects.
Through this exhibition, Hot Desque aims to challenge traditional views of history and explore alternative forms of curation. The juxtaposition of contemporary artworks with archaeological artefacts questions historical biases and suggests the possibility of matriarchal societies in both the past and the future. The exhibition also raises questions about how knowledge is created and verified, and the role that fantasy plays in these processes. By emphasizing the connections between multiple timescales and the role of humanity in shaping stories, Hot Desque invites visitors to reimagine the past, present, and future through individual artworks.
In addition to the exhibition at the Corinium Museum, there will also be satellite events at the Swiss Church in London. On January 26th, there will be a private view of the video installation “Holding Cosmic Dust: An Almanac,” followed by a conversation between Hot Desque and historian Frederika Tevebring. The video installation will be open to the public on January 27th and 28th, providing a deeper understanding of the exhibition’s themes.
For those interested in attending the exhibition at the Corinium Museum, the address is Park Street, Cirencester GL7 2BX. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Sundays from 2 pm to 4 pm. Admission to “Holding Cosmic Dust” is included in the ticket price.
Hot Desque’s “Holding Cosmic Dust” is supported by The Corinium Museum, Arts Council England, The Swiss Church, Hypha Studios, and Woodlands UK. The wider project is delivered in collaboration with Peckham Levels, Step Out Mentors, Lab Gloucestershire Library, and Cirencester Bingham Library.
The artists participating in the exhibition have impressive backgrounds and accomplishments. Holly Graham, Rubie Green, Rebeca Romero, Amba Sayal-Bennett, Abel Shah, and Suzanne Treister have all exhibited their works internationally and have received recognition from organizations such as Arts Council England and Bloomberg New Contemporaries.
The exhibition at the Corinium Museum is a must-see for those interested in exploring alternative histories and the potential futures of humanity. Plan your visit now and experience the thought-provoking and visually stunning world of “Holding Cosmic Dust.”
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.