Nazneen Ayyub-Wood in residence

Over two evenings Usurp will be hosting an experimentation residency.

British artist Nazneen Ayyub-Wood will be making a ‘Test-hibition’ of her new project, which involves experimenting with Velcro to make walls and outfits. She will be installing a series of fabricated panels onto the gallery walls, to which she will attach herself using adapted clothing and customized accessories.

The artist has also invited some collaborators to interact and improvise with the project for these two special evening events. A unique customized outfit is being devised for the performer Cherie Huang to inhabit, and The Conspirators of Pleasure – Poulomi Desai (prepared sitar) and Simon Underwood (modified toys and electronics) will provide an immersive sonic environment.

NAZNEEN AYYUB-WOOD is a British artist of Pakistani origin whose practice is idea-based and focuses on the transformation of spaces, objects and the self. She uses materials and references from her personal experience to create situations that can disrupt preconceived notions and challenge the position of the viewer. Recent exhibitions, events and collaborations include Queens Museum and Aicon Gallery, (New York), Tirana Express (Albania), ICA, Beaconsfield, Rossi & Rossi Gallery, Usurp Gallery, Fordham Gallery and The Old Police Station (London).

CHERIE HUANG is a theatre practitioner and performer who has worked extensively in South East Asia. Recently she was seen in “Babel” by Wildwork Theatre Company (UK), “Mademoiselle Julie” transferred from Avignon Festival (France), and “Dance Marathon” by Bluemouth Inc. (Canada).

POULOMI DESAI is an artist, activist and performer as well as the founding director of Usurp. Her current pre-occupation investigates sacrilegious sound and vision through the machinations of her prepared, modified sitar, electronics and slide projections, performing on the noise and free improv scenes. She regularly performs and tours with Simon Underwood as the duo ‘The Conspirators of Pleasure’. Commissions, exhibitions and performances include, Colour Out of Space Festival, The Serpentine Gallery, The Photographers Gallery, The Science Museum, INIVA, The Queens Museum (USA), The Oxford Gallery (India), Futuresonic UK and Souzouzukan 9001 Japan. http://www.poulomidesai.tumblr.com