Artist Madhu Das presents his first solo exhibition in the UK at The Art House this Summer. Following his time as TAH’s Artist in Residence in 2022 and supported by The Royal Over- Seas League, Room to Breathe brings together a new body of work inspired by the relationships Das built while getting to know and working with the local community in creative workshops at TAH.
In an ongoing investigation of how cultural and political factors can impact one’s life, Das uses a multitude of mediums to explore how trauma, anxiety and belief is connected to geography, history and community. For this exhibition, the artist has created a series of new algraphy, ceramics, drawings, photographs and textile sculptures. The collection of work speaks of the divergent, yet deeply intertwined stories from the refugee and asylum-seeking community.
The artist aims to highlight the importance of the composite and blended cultural fabric of diverse communities, such as the community that has emerged in Wakefield. The exhibition is a first-chance opportunity to present brand new sculpture using knitting gestures and techniques from his friendly skillsharing encounters with groups accessing TAH. As the participants come from different backgrounds and have language as a barrier, Das created a new work inspired by and dedicated to the community bond experienced, through the act of and passion for sharing different cultural knitting processes.
Project generously supported by our partners the Royal Over-Seas League, with special thanks to Robin Footitt.
Every year the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) and The Art House support two international early-to mid-career artists with a fully funded two-month residency, which provides development, networking and exhibition opportunities for artists who have not yet exhibited or studied in the UK. Find out more about The Royal Over-Seas League.
