Wednesday 22 May, 5.30pm to 8.00pm
Workshop by Ocean Baulcombe-Toppin with Blackhorse Activators
In conjunction with Capital solo exhibition by Coumba Samba, and prompted by the question of urgent dreaming, artist & educator Ocean Baulcombe-Toppin developed a workshop for members of the Blackhorse Activators to explore the dynamic themes of Samba’s exhibition, revolving around the circulation of objects and materials in the pursuit of new dreams and radical imagination.
Inspired by the research interests within Samba’s and Baulcombe-Toppin’s practices, the Blackhorse Activators created planters from discarded objects and decorated them with reclaimed waste to develop a material representation of value, energy, and life that arises from circumventing the logic of capital. Each planter was filled with slightly compressed soil to house an Activator’s dream written on seeded paper, then lightly watered to encourage new sprouts to grow.
Responding to the adaptability of recycled objects and learning about the spiritual value of horticultural knowledge, the project activated a physical manifestation of life from discarded material. As representation of the sowing of an intention, each planter demonstrates the power and purpose of aspiration, care, renewal and transformation, drawing value to remnants from the past.
This project extends Cell’s workshop collaborations with Blackhorse Activators. Recent events include Mouldings, November 2023, and My Vessel, My Rock, My Anchor, January 2024.
Permit to Dream: Touch Method is part of Permit to Dream public programme, organised by the gallery’s Trainee Fellows, Michelle Lee Johnson, Khadija Niang, Chinaza Ruth Okonkwo, who invited artists and participants to expand the notion of what it means to dream right now. Each event unpacks and activates a range of senses; touch, sight, and listening.
Ocean Baulcombe-Toppin (b. 1996, London) practices in trust and hope. She works eco-consciously with objects, language, prints and nuanced interactions to craft a contemporary philosophy inspired by her spirituality, Caribbean-British heritage and ceremonies of solace. Recent presentations of her work include exhibitions and performative gestures at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff; Neven Gallery, London; Metroland Cultures, London; Nottingham Contemporary, Nottingham; Somerset House, London; Deptford Cinema, London; and South London Gallery; London.
Blackhorse Activators are a group of 15-25 year olds from Walthamstow with a passion for applying creativity to build community, who meet monthly at Blackhorse Road Workshop and cultural venues in London. They are a graduate cohort from the Blackhorse Responders programme.
The Trainee Fellowship is generously supported by Art Fund, running since October 2023. The Year-long Fellowship provides professional practice for three studying students to acquire skills and knowledge to enable them to develop the gallery’s 2024 summer programme.
Permit to Dream is generously supported by Tower Hamlets Community Fund.
