Hysterical Collective are subverting the idea of the ‘hysterical woman’
Cake as art, an interactive bathroom, a workbook on reclaiming marginalised anger; this charity art exhibition is a must-see
Cake as art, an interactive bathroom, a workbook on reclaiming marginalised anger; this charity art exhibition is a must-see
Every year, to mark Women’s History Month in March, Hysterical Collective – a charity arts exhibition that platforms artwork by women and people of marginalised genders – pops up in South London’s Bermondsey Project Space. Each rendition features a fresh line-up by artists who may not typically find themselves represented at galleries, and raises funds for a non-profit through sale of artwork and a series of interactive workshops that help people make friends while learning a new skill.
Eliza Hatch, photographer, activist and founder of Cheer Up Luv – a space dedicated to retelling stories of sexual harassment – and Bee Illustrates, a non-binary illustrator, curator and mental health advocate, launched Hysterical Collective in 2022 as their labour of love. Since then, they have raised thousands of pounds by exploring themes that subvert the notion of what it means to be ‘hysterical’ (a term historically and problematically associated with women), or dramatic.
For their 2024 edition, Hysterical Collective is exploring the idea of Radical Creativity through the lens of 13 artists. The free event is running from March 20 until 31, which marks the International Trans Day of Visibility. Alongside the exhibition, the duo are hosting fun events such as a drawing with scissors workshop from Beth Suzanna, a beading brunch with Babes in Development and a feminist skate and sketch workshop at Hop King. This year, the organisation is raising funds for LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity Galop.
“Hysterical isn’t just an exhibition but a space to combine current affairs, feminism and creativity. It also hopes to give people the chance to appreciate art, partake in activism, learn new skills and build connections in an inclusive, accessible environment,” the founders explain. When we stepped into the gallery for the press preview, we saw these words come to life: each artwork is designed to be interactive in a unique way.
Designer Alexandra McKinney’s contribution is Feeling Freely, a collection of posters that explores the experience of being denied your anger as a marginalised person. The posters feature misogynistic quotes that have been directed to the artist along with everything she wishes she had said in return, as a cathartic activity. Exhibit A: “But I don’t get why girls want to go to college so bad. I mean, they need to be married by 20 and pumping out kids by 22, so…”
The creator also included workshop pages and markers for people to fill in their own experiences in an attempt to reclaim – and let go of – their subjugated anger. On the other hand, artist Jasmine Foo’s crochet tapestry Stuck In A Loop takes on a playful approach with a QR code knitted into the body of the work. When you scan it, each independent crochet square comes to life in a stop motion animation video. It’s a magical collaboration of technology and traditional crafts that are representative of Foo’s repetitive and relentless anxious thoughts.
Elsewhere, photographer and baker Shannon Higgins presents a series of self-portraits alongside edible art (who doesn’t love a surprise sweet treat at an exhibition?) The creative sees cake-making as a feel good practice that allows her to extend herself to people in ways that she wouldn’t be able to otherwise. She also hopes to question the food industry that is “saturated with people who don’t look like me. It’s hard to feel like I have a place in that and these pictures attempt to reclaim that boss babe energy.”
We’ll leave you with a rambling, relatable inner monologue from the exhibition that was painted on a batik and airbrushed textile by creative Ada Krenz. For a goodbye giggle and a reminder to walk back from all the overthinking.
“My main problem is I have a lot of little problems that seem really big. Since I’ve never had a bigger problem in my life, they are the worst that could ever happen to me, but if I had one huge problem all of my other problems would seem so much smaller. So I could solve all my little problems with one big problem. I could get infected with a deadly disease or gamble all my money, or lose my legs, so I could worry about that and not all the stupid, little rubbish.”
Hysterical Collective: Radical Creativity is at Bermondsey Project Space from March 20 to March 31. You can donate to the charity exhibition here
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