Artichoke's latest UK-wide public art exhibition examines origin, belonging, and identity

Artichoke's UK-wide exhibition explores origin, belonging, and identity through the perspectives of 11 unique artists in an exhibition titled 'No But Where Are You Really From?'

Image: ‘European Pa55port’ (2023), by David Blackmore. The Gallery, Season 3, 2023. Produced by Artichoke. Landscape.

Artichoke, a cultural initiative, is hosting a UK-wide public art exhibition that challenges societal perspectives on identity and belonging. In today's interconnected world, where people often move across borders, questions about where someone is "really from" are commonplace. The exhibition, titled No But Where Are You Really From? features 11 artworks displayed on outdoor digital screens and billboards across the country for a month, aiming to spark conversations and reflections outside the traditional gallery setting.

Pattern Recognition’ (2023) by Reena Kallat. The Gallery, Season 3, 2023. Produced by Artichoke. Landscape.

Curated by Bakul Patki, the artworks explore various dimensions of identity, including heritage, origin, and the meaning of being rooted somewhere. Artists from diverse backgrounds were chosen to contribute their unique interpretations to the theme. Notable pieces include Larry Achiampong's Pan African Flag for the Relic Travellers' Alliance (Dualities), an exploration of postcolonial perspectives, David Blackmore's European Pa55port, a reflection on cultural identity in response to an EU passport request, and Reena Kallat's Pattern Recognition, using a Snellen Eye Chart format to depict symbols of national pride and provoke thoughts on identity and belonging.

Image: PAN AFRICAN FLAG FOR THE RELIC TRAVELLERS' ALLIANCE – DUALITIES’ (2021-2023) by Larry Achiampong. The Gallery, Season 3, 2023. Produced by Artichoke. Landscape.

The exhibition, featured in The Gallery's Season 3, invites the public to explore the complex connection between identity and place in our evolving global society. By celebrating diversity's role in shaping individuals and communities, the artworks aim to deepen our understanding of identity. These pieces will become part of The Gallery's permanent collection, are easily accessible to everyone through their website and digital archive.

No But Where Are You Really From? is on display on outdoor digital screens and billboards until 2 October 2023.

Website: thegallery.org.uk. Instagram: @artichoketrust.