PARADOXICAL GASP 

November 17 – 7:00 pm – November 20 – 2pm

“We are running across the streets, hiding from the air released from a balm-sized canister. Who knows such a huge cloud could be trapped in such a teeny tiny cylinder!”

Experimental Event: 

Thurs 17 Nov 7pm (Preview)

Fri 18 Nov 7pm 

Sat 19 Nov  2pm & 7pm

Sun 20 Nov 2pm w/ a post-show talk

Tickets: £15 (£12) | Book your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/paradoxical-gasp-tickets-383450900967 

People’s voices were controlled through the manipulation of the air. Over the past three years, cities including New York, Paris, Bangkok, Delhi and Hong Kong, all experienced social movements in which tear gas was used to disperse civilians. People suffer from physical trauma as well as mental health issues such as anxiety, fear and depression.

Shall we let the wound heal with care? We are coming together even though the air is dispersing us. We are voicing out louder as a chorus even though the air is stopping us from breathing.

Paradoxical Gasp – an experimental event, devised by Hidden Keileon, a collective of six multidisciplinary Hong Kong artists and curators, addresses socio-political urgency, initiates intercultural conversation and deals with the traumatic legacy of tear gas exposure in social movements all around the world.

This event is part of the ‘Out of Breath’ tear gas project by Hidden Keileon – More info here: https://www.hiddenkeileon.art/out-of-breath 

Accessibility: The Crypt Gallery is a grade I listed building. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access into the space. There are steep uneven stone steps with handrail, leading down into the gallery. The floor of the gallery is uneven stone.

As the venue is an underground space, this immersive event may not be suitable for people who fear dark, claustrophobia, and visual/auditory delusions.

An art psychotherapist is present at all performances. The space will stay open for quiet reflection for 20 minutes after the event. Visitors are welcome to attend the open studio hosted by Lily Hsu, Art Psychotherapist.

*The show on Sun 20 Nov is accompanied by a British Sign Language tour led by Martin Glover with an interpreter support for sound description, and followed by a BSL interpreted post-show talk at St Pancras Church (165 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BA).

We want to make sure that our events are welcoming and accessible. Please contact us via email at info@hiddenkeileon.art if you would like to discuss how we can support you to attend and enjoy this event.

The production of the event has been supported by the Bloomsbury Festival and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. The research for this project has been supported by Wellcome Collection in connection with the exhibition In the Air (2022).