In partnership with UCA, Studio 106 Art Gallery has selected works by recent graduates from their final exhibition at UCA, a show that represents the culmination of the year’s study on the Foundation Programme. At an extremely important stage in the students’ professional and personal development, Suupa Pupa Doompadee Dah! aims to support their progression into higher education and ultimately toward a career in the creative arts.

The exhibition brings together works by Laura Alabaf, Esther Chung, Emily Hills, Lewis Ryland, Frances Tomlin, Alexandra Constantine and Amanda Woodcock.

The exhibition is directly inspired by the chant of the Oompa Loompa workers of Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, a story that can be read as an analogy for the trials associated with the coming of age to adulthood. Referencing this period of growth and change, the exhibition aims to highlight the important stage on which the selected artists are embarking. In this vein, the title of the exhibition also refers to the Latin term ‘Pupa’, denoting the chrysalidian process through which insects undergo transformation. These transformative processes are inherently relevant to the work presented, addressing as it does themes of organic process, creativity and change.

The selected artists have a polymorphic approach and explore a variety of contemporary media. The works selected are the result of complex and thoughtful investigation into a range of diverse themes such as identity construction, psycho-geography, environmental issues and the body. Encouraging investment in talented young people, Suupa Pupa Doompadee Dah! provides support to these artists at an age when strengthening confidence and establishing support are a crucial part of their future.

Studio 106 Art Gallery combines a professional gallery with a lively education programme, presenting a regular series of exhibitions and events that complement and enrich its programme of courses and workshops. Exhibiting work by both young and established artists, Studio 106 Art Gallery aims to provide a supportive and engaging environment in which to work, while helping to establish links between artists, curators and art institutions. The programme of activities offers critical and practical support to artists, whilst providing the audience with an engaging series of events, including exhibitions, screenings, artist talks and Live Art events.