Located at APT gallery Deptford the Changeable Beast collective came together on the an innovative and experimental project EncounterCulture to explore ideas around interconnectedness, interdependence and mutual support. It took it’s starting point from an excerpt of Donna Haraway’s The Companion Species Manifesto,

“One cannot know the other or the self, but must ask in respect for all of time who and what are emerging in relationship”.

The artists sought to challenge their practices and how art is made to make new connections with each other- to discover what is ‘emerging in relationship’, which suggested a radical opposition to the cult of individualism.

Working with GCSE students from nearby Addey & Stanhope secondary school and taking ideas and material inspiration from the nearby Deptford market, the project culminated in a week-long residency of collaborative making and a second week-long exhibition. Workshops were held both at the school and gallery with students responding directly to individual artist’s work and the sculptural installation that had been created collaboratively.

Participating artists: Belinda Worsley, Karen Byrne, Clare Jarrett, Eveleigh-Evans, Kay Senior, Rachael Causer, Aileen Kelly, Alex Hegazy, Ornela Novello, Chuting Lee, Jennifer Moore, Tania Salha, Vivien Delta, Carolyn Whittaker, Diana Wolzak, Tessa Garland, Tina Culverhouse, Ellie Reid.

Curation team: Karen Bryne, Rachael Causer, Diana Wolzak, Aileen Kelly, Kay Senior, Ellie Reid & Eveleigh-Evans. 

With thanks to our partners: APT studios, Staff and students at Addey & Stanhope school, Laura White for project writing. 

APT Gallery, London | October 2024