RUIN exhibition rebuilds life within collapse and decline

The show titled, RUIN, featured 40 small postcard works from 30 different artists all focusing on how there can be reconstruction and reinvention in collapsed and declined spaces.

The show was displayed at the University of East London’s Way Out East Gallery and was curated by Richard Glynn Roberts, a figurative painter from London, who had previously exhibited the work at the Poola Gallery in Croatia.

Central to the exhibition were 40 small pieces of cards which contributing artists submitted by post. The show also included a series of paintings, sculptures and videos which interacted with the posted works.

Among the external artists who exhibited were Geraint Evans, Alison Hand, Mike Ballard and Turner Prize nominee George Shaw. The show also featured work of teaching staff from the University of East London.

Richard said, “The word ruin suggests places, architecture and monuments that are rendered obsolete and functionless. Yet within the inevitable cycle of collapse, decline and decay there can be reconstruction and re-invention of spaces where countercultures can thrive.

"My original plan for the Croatian show was to explore the theme of ruin through a group exhibition of portable works on paper. However, this changed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, where we invited postal correspondence instead.

"I was grateful to be invited by Alex Scott-Whitby to the Way Out East Gallery to display the work and bring together a collection of London based artists."

Contributing artists included:

Nick Aston, Mike Ballard, Daryl Brown, Jack Condy-Kemp, Jacqui Chapman, Suzana Desnica, Mike Echernier, Geraint Evans, Michael Eyre, Elizabeth Goode, Adam Gre, Olija Grubic, Alison Hand, Alexis Harding Karsten Huneck, Nimmi Hutnick, Marco Jakse, Khaoula Karaweigh, Matt Lloyd, Shaun McNally, Andy O'onnell, Malcom Poynter, Rob Reed, Duncan Reekie, Lara Ritosa-Roberts, Richard Roberts, Tim Ross, Collette Rouhier, Alex Scott-Whitby, George Shaw, John Storey, Simon Stringer, Pierre Toi, Paul Westcombe, Julian Wild, Claire Willberg and Keith Winter.

For more information see the Way Out East Gallery.