A new installation by international artist Mikhail Karikis is to open at Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG).
This January, THG will feature the first UK showing of ‘Acoustics of Resistance’, a new project by internationally recognised artist Mikhail Karikis focusing on the climate emergency.
Combining visualised climate data, experimental and folk music, the project reflects on our collective responsibility and invites us to rejoice in the power of sound and tune into the resonance of nature and socio-political change.
The exhibition will extend across three gallery spaces. The Weather Orchestra, a three-channel video installation will transform the main gallery space into an indoor weather system. It will express both our deep relationship and entanglement with the weather, celebrating our connection to the atmosphere and the earth.
In the Lower Gallery, the installation: ‘Universe of Solutions’ will feature visuals produced by 30 pupils from Honiton Community College during workshops with the artist depicting their imagined solutions to climate change. Visitors will also be able to contribute to this collaborative artwork.
The THG Project Space will feature visuals of climate data in the form of a curtain. As part of the project, Karikis tracked and documented heatwaves that break temperature records. The curtain represents last June’s heatwave which spread across Western Europe.
Karikis is a Greek/British artist living in Lisbon, working and exhibiting internationally in leading contemporary art biennials, museums including the TATE and Whitechapel Gallery, and film festivals. Karikis’ varied practice includes sound, moving image and performance developed site-specifically with communities outside the context of contemporary art, and more recently, with children, teenagers, young adults and people with disabilities.
Mikhail Karikis commented,
“Acoustics of Resistance explores listening as a form of climate care, solidarity and activism.
During my workshops with the students, we explored environmental themes through drawing, sound-making and conversation. I was aiming for an emotional engagement with the theme, but one that is positive, creating a counterpoint to the discourse about climate apocalypse.
I hope that audiences will have a sense of the possible and a range of solutions from the pragmatic to the fantastical.”
Councillor Nick Hookway, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Sport, Leisure and Tourism commented,
“We welcome back Mikhail Karikis following his successful exhibitions at THG in Honiton and Ocean, Exmouth last year. I am looking forward to seeing the results of his work with Honiton’s young people and how they will reflect on climate change and its effects on the coast and countryside of East Devon.”
Part of the Create Our Space project, delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter and Honiton Community College with generous support from Arts Council England.
Mikhail Karikis: Acoustics of Resistance
13 January – 9 March 2024
Opening event: Saturday 13 January, 3-5pm including artist talk with Mikhail Karikis
