2 FOR 1: CURATED BY THORP STAVRI & HAZE
15.06 - 07.07.2023
Produced in Partnership with Hypha Studios
50 Celebration Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1DB
2 for 1” is a phrase commonly associated with consumerism and the retail industry, whereby customers can purchase one item and receive a second one at no additional cost. However, the “2 for 1” concept can extend beyond the retail sector, symbolising the notion of receiving additional and unexpected advantages, or opportunities in various contexts. As such, this exhibition adopts the well-known retail term, not only as a nod to the building’s past – a Sainsbury’s supermarket, but also to the collaboration between two curatorial platforms – Thorp Stavri (Eric Thorp and Nicholas Stavri) and HAZE (Camilla Bliss and Solanne Bernard), as they explore the concepts of duality and multiplicity.
As nomadic curatorial platforms, we have embedded collaboration and partnering into the core of our practice. Recognising the limitations of working independently, we have consistently fostered support systems that extend beyond our individual capacities. Having previously worked together on the monumental Factory Project, we unite again for a new exhibition with a view to highlighting the importance of partnerships, by shining a spotlight on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The SDGs were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, and provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. The Goals are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. Through this collaborative exhibition, we aim to activate the dynamic energy of art to create a dialogue with the SDGs and inspire creatives and communities in a positive and meaningful way.
Expanding on the aims set by the SDGs, 2 For 1 brings together 31 artists whose practices address one or more of these goals and explore the important topics raised by them – highlighting the strength in collective action towards creating a sustainable and equitable future for all.
ABOUT THE CURATORS:
Thorp Stavri are a London based curatorial duo, comprising curators Eric Thorp and Nicholas Stavri. They are committed to developing and supporting artists’ practices and accessibility to art through exhibitions, collaboration, residencies, talks, workshops and an arts podcast. They have been awarded the Arts Council England Project Grant for the production of ‘The Factory Project‘ at Thameside Industrial Estate, London (2021) and for ‘Five Hides’ at the historic Manor Place Baths, London (2020). Earlier this year they curated their first museum exhibition, in collaboration with Two Temple Place. Soon to be followed by exhibitions at The Royal Society of Sculptors, London and at the Art House, Wakefield.
HAZE is an artist-led curatorial duo founded in 2021 by Camilla Bliss and Solanne Bernard, based in London. They started their first curatorial project during the pandemic, when galleries and exhibitions were closed down, to enable a more fluid and adaptive approach to exhibiting art. Their focus on organising shows in alternative spaces aims to support and showcase local and international emerging artists, giving them an opportunity to explore experimental directions within their practice. HAZE’s first show was ́Fertile Laziness’ (2021) in Platform Southwark, followed by an invitation from Thorp Stavri to take part in the ́Factory Project’ with ́Peach Fuzz’ (2011). The duo’s most recent group exhibition was ́Destructive Mollusc’ (2022) in Staffordshire Street Studios.
This exhibition has been produced in collaboration with Hypha Studios, and is supported by Arts Council England, Get Living, East Village London and FAD Magazine. Poster: Lara Vallance
