Here Comes the Sun

The goal was to create an immersive exhibition that not only showcased mycelium-grown sculptures but also fostered a space where visitors could connect with art in a mindful and eco-conscious way. I had to curate the space, onboard relevant brand partners, create marketing materials, and manage the logistics of the entire show—all while offering workshops and interacting with visitors. The challenge was balancing multiple roles while ensuring that the experience was both engaging and meaningful.

As the creator and curator, I conceptualised the entire show, crafted the artwork, and curated the gallery space to reflect the principles of biophilic design. I handled the brand partnerships with local, national, and international collaborators, created the marketing materials, and led the print production and framing of the art. Additionally, I manned the gallery for 10 days, engaging with visitors, serving coffee, and guiding them through the exhibition. I also hosted paper collage workshops in collaboration with GF Smith, enriching the experience with hands-on creative activities.

To bring “Here Comes the Sun” to life, I transformed the Fairhurst Gallery into a curated, living room-inspired space where visitors could relax and engage with the artwork through sight, sound, scent, and touch. Every object and piece of furniture was carefully chosen for its sustainable and biophilic qualities, aligning with the overarching theme of mindfulness and ecological responsibility.

I collaborated with key brands, including Haeckels, Tala, Ligne Roset, TAKT, and Fujifilm, creating a multi-brand pop-up showroom within the exhibition. These partnerships introduced the brands to a new audience in Norwich, while supporting the ethos of the exhibition.

Additionally, I incorporated a community-focused element by collaborating with Talk Club, a men’s mental health charity, to host listening and talking groups during the show. This created an atmosphere of support and reflection, aligning with the exhibition’s focus on mental well-being.

The exhibition was a success, attracting a diverse audience and gaining positive feedback from both visitors and partners. The mycelium sculptures, a first for Samu Studio, captivated attendees with their unique blend of sustainability and abstract design. The multi-sensory experience created a calming and reflective space that resonated with the ethos of biophilic design.

Key brands featured in the exhibition, such as Ligne Roset and Haeckels, benefited from exposure to new customers, and the workshops and partnerships helped solidify Samu Studio’s position as a creative force committed to eco-friendly design and mindfulness.

The success of the show sparked new ideas for larger-scale future exhibitions, with a focus on expanding into full apartment or house-sized installations, allowing for even more immersive experiences.

Client: Samu Studio / Multiple Brand Partners

Project: Here Comes the Sun Exhibition

Collaborators: TAKT, Haeckels, Ligne Roset, G . F Smith, Fujifilm, Talk Club, Assembly Coffee, Rega, Tala, Briiv. Rega

Photography: Will Pitt.

Curation: Sam Harrons

Project Management: Joe Thompson