A new exhibition showcasing 150 of the UK’s most unique and unusual hobbies, with thousands of objects on display, has opened in Croydon for the summer.
The new exhibition, named Come As You Really Are, opened its doors on July 18 in the Grade II listed Grants Building on Croydon High Street and celebrates the diverse range of hobbies and hobbyists in the UK and how they spend their free time.
The exhibition run by Artangel features thousands of unusual objects submitted by over 150 people across the UK, who shared examples of their hobbies ranging from micro-ceramics and LEGO to football t-shirt collections.
The exhibition will also feature more unusual examples of hobbies from the making of 19th century banjos to firelighters made from citrus peels.
Mariam Zulfiqar, Director of Artangel, said: “Hetain Patel’s work has always invited us to reflect on identity as multidimensional and complex. For Come As You Really Are, he extended an invitation to people around the UK, asking them to share the pastimes that form part of their identity.
"The ambitious presentation of thousands of objects loaned by hundreds of people embraces our differences, and invites us to rethink what we value in an age dominated by consumerism."
The exhibition presented by artist Hetain Patel demonstrates how individuals express themselves through creativity, with some participating hobbyists taking up their newfound hobby during the Covid-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions were in place.
The presenting artist has also shared his own contribution to the exhibition, with a film on his work as an artist along with three Spider-Man outfits he has made, including a three-piece suit, and a modified car.
Artist Hetain Patel said: “There is a vulnerability in sharing something so personal, which often happens in private spaces around the responsibilities of daily life.
"But there is also a tremendous power in sharing collectively, which is at the heart of this project. I hope people join us in this celebration of the unstoppable nature of self-expression that is demonstrated by our hobbies.
“This nationwide project has been made possible through a network of partners across the UK, and could only have been achieved with the generous contributions from the many hundreds of participants. We hope people enjoy seeing this very public presentation of the activities that enrich our lives.”
The exhibition began on Thursday, July 18 at the Grants Entertainment Centre in Croydon, and will run until Sunday, October 20, before heading on a UK wide tour at 12 different venues.
Admission to the exhibition is free. Walk-ins are possible, but booking a time slot is encouraged.
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