the street is our gallery

May 23, 2024 to June 09, 2024

This spring, BSMT Gallery will be opening “Inner Worlds: The inescapable allure of Pop Surrealism,” an exciting new exhibition featuring the work of thirteen different artists from Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia. A UK debut for many of these artists, their unique blend of bright colours and pop imagery is an opportunity to dive into the vibrant and charming realm of Pop Surrealism.

Drawing inspiration from the Surrealist movement and facilitated by the internet, Pop Surrealism explores the inner workings of the subconscious and the dream world, often incorporating vivid colours and imagery drawn from pop culture including anime and cartoons. Intrinsically playful in nature, the exhibition invites viewers to embrace their inner child, providing solace from the pressures and anxieties of daily life.

While the aesthetic of cuteness is prevalent in this movement, it also serves a more complex purpose. The endearing and adorable characters soften or disguise uncomfortable truths, critiquing and resisting our ties to the power structures that cause us to seek these comforts in the first place.

Featured artists include:

ALEX FACE

ANGLING

AOF SMITH

BLUEPALETE

CHEESE ARNON

KRACHOK

KRATAI DUDU

LEOZ WENG

MADE IT WHEN DRUNK

MANOW NOWHERE

SIPPA

STUPIDNOOBMACC

TAKKAPHAII
“Inner Worlds: the inescapable allure of Pop Surrealism,” invites visitors to immerse themselves in this enigmatic art movement exploring how it challenges norms, communicates uncomfortable truths, and transports viewers into a whimsical and delightful realm. This group of artists bring their inner worlds to life, capturing the duality of escapism and critique that defines this genre.

Visit the Exhibition

We invite you to join us for the opening night of “Inner Worlds: the inescapable allure of Pop Surrealism,” on May 23rd, 2024, from 6-9pm. The exhibition will run from May 24th to June 9th. Drinks for the opening night are generously sponsored by our friends at Magic Spells Brewery.