Dykonic - My first exhibition in Paris

Not long ago my entourage finally discovered what I’ve been up to this past year.

I have been quite reserved about my practice, and maybe a little scared too. I wasn’t ready to share it, weirdly enough, with the people who know me best and are part of my everyday life.

But something clicked after showing my work in Belfast with 7 Int. Being part of such a strong group of artists and good friends helped me build up the confidence I lacked and eased my passage into a new phase of “becoming an artist” (yes, I still feel very much in becoming BUT I’m now calling myself an artist. I take the win!). Their support and our insightful exchanges made this experience not just less scary, but totally exhilarating.   

And last week I was invited to take part in a group exhibition in Paris, the place that over the years has become my home.

In a wave of instinctive openness, I accepted the invitation almost without thinking. The work needs to be out, to be experienced, to grow.

There wasn’t much time to prepare. I was in London for the low residency and saw the space for the first time on installation/opening day! It doesn’t matter, I went with it.

The event itself is very easy going: a one-night pop up show of female LGBTQI+ artists and DJs in a bar.

I sent a shout-out to all my contacts with the invitation.

In Belfast, I enjoyed observing strangers react to my work, presenting the work and answering a few questions. Low pressure.

In Paris, sooooo many people came to see me. The night was such a beautiful “chaos”.

Everyone arrived almost at the same time. Some people I hadn’t seen in years. Friends kept buying me drinks to celebrate. I was jumping like a crazy flipper from hugging old friends to explaining the work to catching up on years of life.

Memories of the event are blurry, not just for the amount of alcohol ingested on an empty stomach, but also for the adrenaline of truly showing myself.  

It was a mess, I couldn’t quite keep up with the pace. I didn't even take a single photo (thanks Daniella for the coverage :P).

And at the same time, I was so happy.

7pm

8:30pm

10pm

11:30pm

1am

Notes to self for future exhibitions, especially in Paris:

• Eat before the show (and limit drinking)

• Try to manage timing better

• Spread out invitations

• Present in small groups if possible, rather than to single people

• Remember to have fun (I nailed this one tho)