(UN)LEARN

How do we stay grounded in our purpose when the world offers us the trap of ego? BAFTA-longlisted animator Gagandeep Kaur Chahal joins us to discuss the profound shift in perspective that motherhood has brought to her life and work. We explore the deep research behind her acclaimed animation 'Cha', inspired by the incredible resilience, love and detachment of Bibi Jagdish Kaur, and what it means to practice detachment in a high-stakes creative industry. Gagandeep shares her commitment to making art for its original purpose rather than views or accolades, while offering a critical look at AI and why it can never replace the contextual, lived human experience that gives art its soul.

Gagandeep Kaur Chahal is a BAFTA-nominated animator and artist celebrated for her ability to weave complex narratives with emotional depth. Her work often explores themes of history, memory, and resilience, combining technical mastery with a commitment to storytelling that prioritises human connection over digital convenience.

What is the true currency of life? Artist, poet, and visual storyteller Tyreis Holder invites us into the "portals into her mind," sharing how her textile and poetry practice became a vital healing device after debilitating grief. We discuss the challenge of overthinking and the freedom found in simply giving yourself permission to 'just do' when words fail. Tyreis shares how a creative community helped her navigate a mind that can feel over-stimulated, and how she works toward contentment—a feeling of being fully at one with body and mind. We close with a reflective discussion on how valuing breath as a gift can bring a powerful perspective on life's fleeting nature and guide us toward mindfulness.
Tyreis Holder is a South London-based artist and poet. Her practice centers on explorations of self and the relationship with the mind, using textiles as a poetic language and healing device to generate conversations around social and intimate spaces.

What is the true currency of life? Artist, poet, and visual storyteller Tyreis Holder invites us into the "portals into her mind," sharing how her textile and poetry practice became a vital healing device after debilitating grief. We discuss the challenge of overthinking and the freedom found in simply giving yourself permission to 'just do' when words fail. Tyreis shares how a creative community helped her navigate a mind that can feel over-stimulated, and how she works toward contentment—a feeling of being fully at one with body and mind. We close with a reflective discussion on how valuing breath as a gift can bring a powerful perspective on life's fleeting nature and guide us inwards.

Tyreis Holder is a London-based artist and poet. Her practice centers on explorations of self and the relationship with the mind, using textiles as a poetic language and healing device to generate conversations around social and intimate spaces. https://www.tyreis.art/

Guest Curator: Xavier Leopold https://xavierleopoldstudio.com

How do we prevent ourselves from slipping back into old patterns? Manuela Moscoso, Executive and Artistic Director of CARA in New York, joins us for a deep dive into institutional building rooted in transparency and kinship. We explore her unique curatorial approach—putting ideas in relation to one another to uncover hidden genealogies—and the vital importance of un-learning the "why" behind our habits. Reflecting on the aftermath of the pandemic, Manuela shares her candid cynicism about how quickly society has returned to old ways, while we discuss the grounding power of planning 250 years ahead. By shifting our focus from immediate results to laying long-term foundations, we explore how to create a culture of care that truly lasts.
Manuela Moscoso is a world-renowned curator and institutional leader dedicated to expanding historical records and public discourse. With a career spanning major international biennials and research centers, she now leads CARA (Center for Art, Research and Alliances), a nonprofit space in New York committed to challenging dominant narratives through artistic research, publishing, and a radical commitment to un-learning.

When does freedom become overwhelming? Artist Jordan Zayas Kelly discusses the pressure of time in an academic year and the paradox of the blank canvas, exploring how we often crave external constraints when true freedom feels like too much. She shares her journey from a rigid, prescriptive artistic approach to creating intuitively, and how this shift allows her work to be more accessible. We discuss the work of unlearning complexity to make space for connection, allowing the viewer to re-ascribe histories and ultimately see themselves in the art.

Jordan Zayas Kelly is an interdisciplinary artist working between New York and London. Her experimental practice harnesses histories that resist traditional documentation, transforming historically exploited materials into aesthetic interventions. https://jordanzayaskelly.com/

Guest Curator: Xavier Leopold https://xavierleopoldstudio.com