R.I.O.T.
Reclamation In Our Time
26 October – 7 November 2023
My Dog Sighs, 2015 and STIK, 2017
Exhibited for the first time - ex-issue police riot helmets transformed by contemporary artists
Free-entry exhibition curated and produced by Wayne Anthony
Project supported by the artist STIK
Featuring 16 unique works by STIK (UK), Ghalamdar (Iran), JF-Link (France), Wild Drawing (Indonesia), Dmark (Germany), Otto Schade (Chile), Carrie Reichardt (UK) and others.
London U.K. – The exhibition R.I.O.T. opens 26 October in Gallery 1 at Saatchi Gallery, London. R.I.O.T. is a perfect example of the alchemical process of transmutation. Sixteen riot helmets began their journey on the front lines of public disorder operations for law enforcement in the United Kingdom. It was important for the art project that the riot helmets were ex-issue, so they still retained the sweat, raw emotion and memory of the moments experienced by the wearer. As riot helmets they served two functions on the streets, firstly they helped protect police heads and, secondly, they helped produce an element of fear once deployed.
The curator’s objective was the reclamation of these riot helmets with the intention of bringing balance to these unloved objects by reversing the negative energy pent-up within each unit through the medium of art. What were once objects designed to elicit fear now trigger entirely different emotional responses. Sixteen international artists were specifically invited for their personal skill sets, from fine artists to street art graffiti artists; and tasked with transforming riot helmets into Peace Helmets. Created up to ten years ago, this is the first time they have ever been displayed.
Featured Artists
Stik (UK ), Carrie Reichardt (UK), Ghalamdar (Iran), Busk (UK), Dr Zadok (UK), JF-Ink (France), Gnasher (UK), Wild Drawing (Indonesia), NME (UK), Dmark (Germany), Si2 (UK), Xenz ( UK), Kay One (France), Otto Schade (Chile), Charlie McFarley (UK), My Dog Sighs (UK) and Wayne Anthony (Photography)
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NOTES TO EDITORS
For all press enquiries, please contact:
Eleanor Thirlway eleanor@saatchigallery.com I +44 (0) 20 7811 3091
Private Preview: Wednesday 25 October
Dates and Opening Hours
Open to the public: 26 Oct– 7 Nov
10 AM – 6 PM (last admission 5.30 PM)
Saatchi Lates: Dates to be announced.
Admission
Free public entry, pre-booking not required.
Exhibition Space
Gallery 1, Ground Floor
Images
Press images can be obtained via our press page: saatchigallery.com/press
By using the images, you acknowledge and accept the terms and conditions found on our website. These images can only be reproduced to illustrate a review or criticism of a work or report as defined by section 30 (i) and (ii) of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Social Media
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School Visits & Community Groups
With the generous support of all our patrons, for each major exhibition, there are opportunities for students and community groups to engage in creative projects and workshops. Visit saatchigallery.com/learning or call +44 (0) 20 7811 3087 for more details.
ABOUT WAYNE ANTHONY
Wayne Anthony (b. 1966) started his career in 1985, as a personal manager for an international pop duo with several charted hits in the UK and Europe. In 1988 Anthony co-founded Genesis’88 and staged some of the biggest Acid House parties in the country. When the internet was launched as a pay service, he launched a national internet service provider which granted free internet access to thousands of people. Wayne was involved in some of the earliest internet streaming projects in 1998. Wayne created an online network dedicated to international street art graffiti. Anthony continues to promote artists, exhibitions and related projects
ABOUT STIK
STIK (b. 1979) is a minimalist, figurative painter and sculptor who focuses exclusively on the human body in line form. STIK has created some of the largest public artworks in London, New York and Tokyo and his 12 ft (4m) bronze sculpture ‘Holding Hands’ is installed permanently in London’s Hoxton Square. As an activist STIK works with the N.H.S., British Nuclear Test Veterans and many grass-roots activist groups. He has collaborated with BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, PRIDE London and London’s Southbank Centre. STIK co-founded ‘Dulwich Outdoor Gallery’, he founded and funds ‘My Mural’ and ‘Hackney Public Sculpture Project’ which commissions young and emerging artists to create public artworks.
ABOUT SAATCHI GALLERY
Since 1985, Saatchi Gallery has provided an innovative platform for contemporary art. Exhibitions have presented works by largely unseen young artists, or by international artists whose work has been rarely or never exhibited in the UK. This approach has made the Gallery one of the most recognised names in contemporary art. Since moving to its current 70,000 square feet space in the Duke of York’s Headquarters in Chelsea, London, the Gallery has welcomed over 10 million visitors. The Gallery hosts thousands of school visits annually and has over 6 million followers on social media. In 2019 Saatchi Gallery became a registered charity, beginning a new chapter in its history. www.saatchigallery.com
Registered Charity Number: 1182328
Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY