On 28 Jul 2024, the South London Gallery partnered with the Pelican Plus Tenants & Residents’ Association to throw a party for residents of the estate.
The day included a bench painting workshop delivered by Esme Wedderburn inspired by the blocks named after birds on the estate, Caribbean food, candy floss, and popcorn, a bouncy castle, a giant Connect 4 as well as a series of drumming workshops by Dembis Thioung, a master of dunduns – West African bass drums.
Esme Wedderburn, 2024. Photo: Lucien Ebongue
Drumming workshops by Dembis Thioung, 2024. Photo: Lucien Ebongue
At the heart of the event was a part happening, part installation delivered by the multidisciplinary artist Pardip Kapil.
Kapil delivered a vivid, sensory site-specific installation using his collection of recycled boxes, disco balls, lights, streamers, inflatables, tape and tinsel. Kapil, supported by his team from ActionSpace, created a city of box towers that residents were invited to decorate and interact with as Kapil DJed for the party and encouraged residents to join in and dance!
Public engagement with Pardip’s work, 2024 Photo: Lucien Ebongue
Public engagement with Pardip’s work, 2024. Photo Lucien Ebongue
ABOUT PARDIP KAPIL
Kapil is known for creating works that are spontaneous, joyful and surreal. His work explores the theme of celebration (discos, funfairs, Christmas) using handmade costumes, props, found objects, music, lights and performance to create exciting, engaging works that can be enjoyed through participation and observation.
He has showcased work and created artworks for multiple world-leading art venues and public organisations such as Tate Liverpool, Tate Exchange, Studio Voltaire, Battersea Arts Centre, Wandsworth Arts Fringe.
ABOUT PELICAN PLUS TENANTS & RESIDENTS ASSOCATION
Pelican Plus Tenants & Residents Association is a community group in Peckham SE15. They are run by volunteers from Pelican Estate plus Denman Rd & Talfourd Rd. Their primary aim is to build, maintain & represent the needs of our community in order for it to thrive.
ABOUT ACTIONSPACE
ActionSpace is a visual arts organisation that supports learning disabled artists across London. They seek out and unlock talent , and create bespoke opportunities for learning disabled artists to realise their potential. ActionSpace has an exceptional reputation for providing long-term supported studio practice and delivering high-quality professional artistic development through mentoring, exhibitions and a network of partnerships with cultural organisations.