Nelly Ben Hayoun spoke at the London Design Museum on the 2nd of December 2022.
About the Design Museum
Design is a continually evolving subject. The Design Museum offers opportunities to explore the present and future of design through a programme of temporary exhibitions and displays.
Synopsis of the evening
Surrealism changed the face of art and design forever, spearheading an unpredented exploration of the body and mind. Challenging attitudes about eroticism and psychology, life and death, the Surrealists harnessed the notion of the unconscious to depict what was taboo in contemporary society. Despite the progressive vision of its artists, many of the creatives central to Surrealism are overlooked in art history, and it remains the western male elite who are most celebrated amongst its number.
Artists today continue to channel the subversive potential of the Surrealist ethos whilst critiquing the more exclusive elements of the Surrealist Manifesto. Acknowledging the contributions of women, queer and non-western artists to Surrealism, this special after hours opening celebrates the underrepresented voices who were integral in it’s formation, and the contemporary practitioners who are pushing forward the movement’s legacy.
Visitors will hear from contemporary Surrealists Irenosen Okojie and Hamed Maiye, art historian Alyce Mahon and performative platform Tour de Moon. A series of talks will explore the continued influence of Afro-Surrealism, the role of women and genderqueer artists in the 20th century, and methods to support the next generation of Surrealist creatives, whilst drop in workshops offer the opportunity to create Surreal designs of your own.
Tour de Moon Talks
Nelly Ben Hayoun’s Tour De Moon project is deeply inspired by Surrealism and the theatre of Antonin Artaud. As the founder and Creative Director of Tour De Moon, Nelly discusses how she’s using the creative platform to empower the next generation of Surrealist artists, musicians and poets through parties and performances. With Tour De Moon youth reporter Dionne Scougul and filmmaker Kes Eccleston.