Stephanie
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©2026 Stephanie Chung
Rhizomizing en route
Curated by Stephanie Chung
15 June - 13 July 2024
Deptford Lounge Library, London
Participating artists: Henri Affandi, Kemi Ajose, Christie Lau, Sim Orme, Niamh Schmidtke, Studio Biped, Maggie Williams
“Rhizomize” describes how roots are grown in a radial, unexpectable manner.In this era of constant movement and displacement, we are urged to reconsider whether the prevailing discourses surrounding identities of diaspora, migrants, and so on – often steered by stereotypical associations – suffice to encompass the complexity of our visceral experiences.
This project seeks to create a platform for dialogues and community, exploring how we have been striving to belong, connect, lay down roots in a place, and locate our community and position ourselves within it, all while being perpetually on the move.
Artists with varied experiences of displacements/ movements come together to examine the communities they are part of, have left behind, or have barely known. Their intimate explorations, embodied in their works, shed light on the inherent ambivalence, or perhaps the impossibility, of rhizomizing en route.
Public Programmes
Opening Event
Sat, 15 June 2024 | 2:00pm-5:00pm
Throughout the afternoon, we invited visitors to give the map installation by Studio Biped their creative touch. Artist Kemi Ajose demonstrated on her knitting machine, going through the different processes and techniques she uses in her work.
‘Calligraphy Lesson’ workshop by artist Henri Affandi
Sat, 15 June 2024 | 3:30pm-4:30pm
The workshop sought to reconnect people with their heritage through calligraphy and language, drawing upon each other’s memories and cultural ties. Participants were encouraged to bring along their family members in this act of communal learning. The outcome was then displayed as part of the exhibition.
Machine Knitting demonstration workshop by artist Kemi Ajose
Sat, 6 July 2024 | 11:00am – 1:30pm
Kemi hosted a live demonstration on her knitting machine, going through the different processes and techniques she uses in her work. Visitors were welcome to have a go and get involved.
‘You are here’ Collaborative Map Project Walking Workshop, led by Studio Biped
Sat, 6 July 2024 | 1:30pm – 4:30pm
During the Walking Workshop, we explored the neighbourhood, open our senses, find inspiration, and gather materials that will then used to create maps under different themes. The outcome of the workshop was collated into a zine in collaboration with bookbinder Sim Orme.