Watch this film featuring Isobel Harper and Tanith Mab who were artists in residence, 22nd February - 7th March 2021, at SVA , 4 John Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK GL5 2HA.

"In a world that capitalises on nostalgia, we wanted to calm our anxiety and existentialism through sincere rituals livestreamed on the internet, deifying and embodying warped versions of characters from the pop culture of our childhood. Having spent most of the lockdowns in a self-induced state of numbness we wanted to create an emotional moment for ourselves, a return to a time of innocent happiness; this was an un-coming of age. We left this residency with a sense that silliness and sincerity can live alongside each other harmoniously and a cautious optimism for the future, on and off the internet. "

"Check out some of our performances on our YouTube channel ‘Bikerack’ with more to be published soon! "

Using relics from childhood as tools for storytelling, Tanith Mab and Isobel Harper navigate the exponential acceleration of the world. In a period where nostalgia is more rife than ever, with both positive and negative repercussion, they reflect on the pop culture they grew up with. Realising the comfort and the absurdity, as well as the prophetic nature, of the cultural products that children consume and how they have shaped modern day internet culture.

So keep an eye out on social media for updates or if you are passing the gallery.

See more of Isobel Harper's and Tanith Mab's work on Instagram

See SVA John St Gallery Instagram here

---

This residency is part of a series which offer space and time to artists to make and show work in the gallery. Whilst the gallery is closed to the public, the residencies are viewable from the street and online. So keep an eye out on social media for updates or if you are passing the gallery.