LCC x MST: Bridging Cultures Through Art | My Soho Times

This issue of My Soho Times magazine is presented by MA Journalism students from London College of Communication (LCC) who have assumed responsibility of producing content as part of their collaborative unit. This special edition is a reflection of their ideas and creativity, featuring their chosen articles, images and social media content (keep an eye out on our TikTok for more!), all centred around the vibrant central London area loved by visitors and locals alike… Experience the world of Soho through their distinctive perspectives.

Bridging Cultures Through Art

AN INSIDE LOOK AT AN EFFORT RESIDENCY

Written by Tamaa Almashama | Images Pheobe Wingrove courtesy of An Effort

It’s no secret that Soho has a distinctive creative scene attracting those seeking artistic opportunities to share their work; be it independent businesses, or art, regardless of their backgrounds. An Effort Residency, founded around narrative in Soho, provides space for West Asian artists to explore gateways into their thoughts, dialogues, and futures.

Director and founder, Cristina O’Hanlon opens up about how locating the residents in Soho allows them to immerse themselves within a global, international art hub; building a bridge for artists from the GCC – as well as current Palestinian resident, Malak Matar – because “creating work in Riyadh or Dubai is different from making work in London, walking around the streets of Soho.” It provides them with a different stimulus to create more art, whilst also creating networks and presenting UK audience with an opportunity to “engage and see exciting, young, emerging, and contemporary artists from the Gulf… especially at a time where the Gulf is probably one of the most exciting regions culturally in the world.”

Artist and Chelsea College of Art alumni, Mays Almoosawi, is a perfect example of the ethos of the residency. She dives into how the residency provided her with a fresh outlook on her artwork during her transition from Oman, along with “the space in a great atmosphere and all-day access to a dreamy location studio” which she believes to be important for artists to channel their creativity. Her work explores the connection between the women of her upbringing and her own self-evaluation.

“Growing up with their stories, beliefs, and insecurities profoundly impacted my personal journey as a little girl and continues to do so to this day. While painting, I delve deeper into my own emotions, explore my inner thoughts, and express my authentic self without external influence. Being an artist is not merely a career or a job; it is a profound and continuous journey of self-expression, growth, and exploration.”

An Effort Residency exposed Almoosawi to a wider audience, expanding her previous local and regional circles as her work has “reached a broader, more diverse audience, both within the local art community in London and potentially on a global scale through exhibitions, events, and online platforms associated with the residency.” Allowing her to connect with art enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals from various backgrounds, contributing to a more diverse and dynamic audience base for her work.

As an Arab woman, Almoosawi believes that “Arab women are known to be strong, opinionated, resilient and nurturing behind closed doors and outside.” Which inspires ger to record this to push people to recognize and embrace it.

“Through my art, it’s not about Western versus Eastern; it’s about a universal experience. Wherever I shown my work – whether in the Middle East, the West, or the broader global South and North – there has been resonance with every woman, in all shapes and races. This is to highlight that women around the world all experience the same internal dialogue, journeys, and struggles, and that’s what I have truly found in my work.”

O’Hanlon explains how the residency allows her the work with artists that she loves working with and acknowledges the privilege to be able to spend so much time with such talented, and exciting young artists to shift old, and tired western narratives of the GCC and create more contemporary discourses.

Following the residency, Almoosawi debuted her solo show at Cromwell Place which she outlines as one of the highlights of her career as an artist thus far. She’s currently preparing for a group show in LA with talented artists, which she is incredibly excited about as she shares her evolving journey with each artwork becoming a reflection of her inner world, capturing the essence of her emotions and thoughts at that particular moment in her life.

Instagram: @Maysalmoosawi @aneffortart

Written by Tamaa Almashama | Images: Pheobe Wingrove courtesy of An Effort