Don’t miss the chance to experience Miriam Vanessa Gagino’s debut interactive exhibition, 29 Dates in 30 Days: the sexual autobiography of online dating – an immersive journey that encourages visitors to delve into the nuances of modern dating and the complexities of relationships, currently showing at the Brick Lane Gallery until the 18th November!
THE ORIGIN OF THE PROJECT: FROM EXPERIMENT TO EXHIBITION
The project is inspired by Miriam’s article, “I Went on 29 Dates in 30 Days and This is What I’ve Learned – A Journey into Sex and Double Booking,” where she openly shares her experiences to explore the dynamics of contemporary dating. This work reflects on a series of dates she engaged in over the past year, portraying each interaction with remarkable honesty and uncovering the often painful realities of the tireless pursuit for connection in a time when love can often feel reduced to a mere swipe on an app.
AN INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION
“29 Dates in 30 Days: The Sexual Autobiography of Online Dating” is more than just a recounting of personal experiences; Miriam transforms her experiences into an interactive journey, inviting the audience to actively participate in the story. Visitors can explore the author’s confessions through an iPad interface, where each “swipe” represents a choice: to continue getting to know her or to walk away, mirroring the dynamics of modern dating apps. Each decision unlocks a cinematic projection of potential dates that were not chosen, transforming the gallery into an immersive experience that explores the complexity of intimacy and interpersonal relationships.
Combining storytelling, performance, and multimedia, the installation offers a deeply personal yet universally relatable exploration of loneliness in the pursuit of genuine connection. It also challenges the audience to confront their biases and highlights the influence of power dynamics and social expectations on romantic choices.
AN INTIMATE AND PROVOCATIVE ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE
The exhibition “29 Dates in 30 Days” aligns with the path laid by artists like Marina Abramović and thinkers like Bell Hooks, exploring female vulnerability as a creative force. Miriam Gagino’s work becomes a manifesto inviting exploration of the challenges of seeking affection and understanding in a social context often characterized by superficial interactions.
The Brick Lane Gallery, which has hosted significant artists, becomes the ideal setting for this project that merges the depth of artistic thought with the contemporary nature of relational experiences. Through her personal journey, Miriam Gagino delves into the folds of vulnerability and alienation that many experience in the search for affection and understanding in a world often marked by fleeting and superficial interactions. This project represents a raw reflection on the complexity of relationships in the digital age, a theme that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.
AN AUTHENTIC AND COURAGEOUS VOICE
With “29 Dates in 30 Days: the sexual autobiography of online dating” Miriam establishes herself as an authentic voice in the international art scene. Her works not only narrate intimate experiences but also reflect the complex social dynamics that influence women’s lives. The exhibition invites reflection on current themes such as sexualization, depression, and “body count,” posing critical questions about how society judges women’s experiences.
“I wanted to include my ‘body count’ in this exhibition to emphasize how women are at the center of the artistic journey, not the 29 men. It’s what frightens and ostracizes the female figure that interests me,” says Miriam. “Themes like depression, sexuality, and ‘body count’ are still very relevant, and the reality is they drive away potential partners. Nevertheless, I choose to celebrate my past and the figures that have shaped me, recognizing that they too are more than just shadows.”
Follow Miriam Vanessa Gagino on IG @miriamgagino
📍Brick Lane Gallery, 216 Brick Ln, Bethnal Green, London E1 6SAOpening Hours:
Gallery open 7 days a week:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
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