MIMA’s new exhibition takes you on a journey to unlock your hidden senses

When you think of art, what comes to mind? Paintings hanging on walls? Silent contemplation in a quiet gallery?

MIMA, the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, is here to challenge those stereotypes with their latest exhibition, Towards New Worlds.

This large-scale exhibition invites you to see, hear, feel and sense the contemporary world through the unique perspectives of 15 extraordinary artists.

HLN TOP TIP: MIMA is to free to visit and all of their exhibitions are free to access.

A JOURNEY THROUGH HUMAN PERCEPTION

Towards New Worlds is not just an exhibition; it’s a journey through the many ways we perceive the world. Featuring works across painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, installation and film, the exhibition offers a rich tapestry of sensory experiences.

These works make connections between the artists’ internal worlds and their external environments, addressing critical contemporary issues such as justice, ecological consciousness, connectivity and care.

MEET THE ARTISTS

The artists behind Towards New Worlds are Richard Butchins, Leah Clements, Joanne Coates, Malgorzata Dawidek, Colin Hambrook, Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen, Seo Hye Lee, Molly Martin, Louise McLachlan, Aaron McPeake, Sam Metz, Jade de Montserrat, Carrie Ravenscroft, Christopher Samuel and RA Walden.

Each artist is disabled, D/deaf or neurodivergent, bringing a unique perspective that enriches the exhibition’s narrative.

Colin Hambrook

Hambrook’s intricate drawings are loaded with memory and weave together personal and imagined narratives, inviting viewers to explore the complex interplay between reality and imagination.

RA Walden

Walden’s work draws attention to the dual fragilities of the human body and our ecosystems, emphasising the limited involvement with the natural world due to disability.

Christopher Samuel

Samuel confronts the lack of disability representation in social and medical archives through his personal records, challenging viewers to rethink historical narratives.

AN IMMERSIVE SENSORY EXPERIENCE

One of the highlights of Towards New Worlds is its rich sensory experience. The exhibition is designed with moments of quiet reflection and spaces for interaction and relaxation, ensuring we can engage with the art in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to us.

Through varied production processes, including drawing, photography, installation, video and interactive sensory pieces, the artists call attention to the many ways we experience and navigate the world.

Work displayed: Sam Metz

CURATORIAL EXCELLENCE

The exhibition is curated by Aidan Moesby, a curator, artist and cultural activist with deep experience championing disability, care and access. Moesby has worked extensively with MIMA to share his research and insights.

He explains, “This exhibition explores the importance of bringing together different voices in responding to some of the most critical issues of today. The diverse range of artists reflects on their own experiences, but what comes through is the sense of connection to what we share every day.”

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY

MIMA’s longstanding commitment to supporting disabled, D/deaf and neurodivergent artists and curators is evident in Towards New Worlds. As a founding member of the Future Curators programme, MIMA has been on a mission to help develop the careers of these curators, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated.

HLN TOP TIP:  There will be an accompanying programme of events and free family programmes across the summer so stay tuned for more exciting events coming soon to MIMA.

VISIT WEBSITE

MIMA, Centre Square, Middlesbrough TS1 2AZ

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