01.09.2023
New exhibitions in QUAD, Derby from 23rd September 2023
Seema Mattu: The Scrawny Beauties of Ethni City
Lingfei Ren: From That Day On
Two exhibitions launch in QUAD in September as part of QUAD’s Autumn season.
New commissioned work for QUAD by Seema Mattu explores systems of caste, gender identity and how it is classified through digital technologies. Lingfei Ren responds the definition of ‘home’ and how people’s psychological conditions are affected by identity, family, social construction, and urban life. The exhibitions are made possible with funding by Arts Council England and Derby City Council.
Seema Mattu: The Scrawny Beauties of Ethni City
The Scrawny Beauties of Ethni City is Seema Mattu’s first solo exhibition, and a deep dive into SEEMAWORLD, an immersive, multi-channel realm and streaming facility with a specific interest in fantasy storytelling, SEEMAWORLD is framed within a theme park which explores systems of caste, queer sorcery, fan art and how gender is classified through digital technologies. Through mixed-media animation, environment-building, audience interactivity, audio installations and visual spectacle, The Scrawny Beauties of Ethni City develops SEEMAWORLD’s unfolding narrative around caste, called ‘Engodamy’. ‘Engodamy’ is a play on the term ‘endogamy’, which refers to the custom of marrying within one’s own group. ‘Engodamy’ is set in the world-built world, called ‘Youterus’ in the mind and soul of its oldest origin: ‘Ethni City’. New works for the exhibition featuring a carousel and nightclub scenes are commissioned by QUAD; with the work ’podCASTE’ commissioned by Wysing Arts Centre.
Lingfei Ren, From That Day On
From That Day On is part of this year’s FORMAT23 International Photography Festival.
Lingfei Ren: From That Day On is a long-term project presenting her multi-threaded memories and experiences that are interweaved through her work. The images metaphorically and candidly reflect Ren’s responses to family, love, changes in the social environment and world events. Ren’s work also discusses the definition of ‘home’ and people’s psychological conditions affected by identity, social construction, and urban life. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19, most people’s lives have gone through a drastic change and attitudes towards life and perceptions of the world have completely shifted. Lingfei Ren explores how the consequent adoption of new habits in the way we communicate has become an accustomed way of life; also reflecting her own emotional projection of life during the pandemic: of loneliness, depression, disappointment, anxiety, and loss.
The Scrawny Beauties of Ethni City by Seema Mattu will be on display in QUAD Gallery from Saturday 23rd September to Sunday 26th November. Gallery opening times are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Entrance is free.
From That Day On by Lingfei Ren will be on display in QUAD Extra Gallery Spaces from Saturday 23rd September to Sunday 7th January and can be viewed daily from 10am to 9pm. Entrance is free.
A launch event for both exhibitions takes place on Friday 22nd September from 6:30pm; entrance is free but booking is required and free refreshments will be provided on the night. https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/autumnexhibitionslaunch/
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