Artist and Curator in Conversation with Q&A

Hoxton 253 invites you to join curator, writer and researcher Linda Rocco and multidisciplinary artist Kelly Sweeney in conversation as they unpack her solo exhibition Witches, Scamps and Things. This is Sweeney’s first solo exhibition in London since 2016, showcasing a new Arts Council England supported multidisciplinary body of work including film, sculpture, painting and, for the first time performance. Join us for this informal and open dialogue between the artist and co-curator, that very much welcomes audience participation and questions. ​

Everyone is welcome, please make sure to RSVP.

Linda Rocco is a London-based contemporary art curator, writer and researcher, who graduated from the Royal College of Art. She has curated public events and exhibitions internationally with established small-scale institutions such as Delfina Foundation, to warehouse spaces including Yinka Shonibare’s Studio and the curation of the public sphere for Nine Elms on the South Bank. Linda is co-founder and co-director of the Cambridge-based Festival and programme of workshops ‘I’m Here, Where Are You?’. Linda regularly works as curator for artists and private galleries, as well as consulting for charities, foundations and public institutions on accessibility, inclusivity and collaboration in contemporary and participatory practices.

Kelly Sweeney is a multidisciplinary artist who gained a First class degree in Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University. After pursuing a career in art education, the artist critically re-visited her practice graduating from Chelsea School of Art with an MA in 2014. Sweeney has maintained a regular exhibition schedule that includes selected and invited group shows, awards and residencies. The artist has placed work amongst private collections in Europe, Asia, America, Canada and the UK.

Witches, Scamps and Things is Sweeney’s first solo exhibition since Transient at BSMT Space in 2016. The exhibition will showcase for the first time an Arts Council England supported body of work comprising film, ceramic sculpture and painting. The artist will be presenting a debut performance in response to the show as part of the wider exhibition programme.

Sweeney’s trilogy of films that feature the artist, premiered earlier this year to a sold-out screening at The Horse Hospital, London. Following her solo exhibition at the gallery, the artist will embark upon a residency with Inventory Platform where she will be creating a site-specific installation piece whilst exploring performative aspects of her practice. Sweeney lives and works in the city with a studio in East London.

Group shows include; LGM-1 at The Function Suite, London, Micro and Make/Shift at Air Gallery, Manchester, Re-purpose/Reverse, Does the Body Rule the Mind?, The Human Stain at Studio 1.1, London, Strangelands at Collyer Bristow, London, Creekside at A.P.T. Gallery, London, Painted Surfaces, Surface Gallery, Nottingham, Zeitgeist, London, Hix 2015 finalist (awarded second prize0, Cock and Bull Gallery, London. Film screenings include; Fright Flicks, The Horse Hospital and Moving Image Salon, London. Solo exhibitions include; Transient at BSMT Space, London, Hop Gallery, Lewes and Gallery 40, Brighton.

A text by curator and writer Linda Rocco accompanies the exhibition. The gallery is hosting a programme of events alongside the show.

Join our mailing list for further details or discover the full programme here: hoxton253.com/kelly-sweeney

The exhibition and associated programme is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.