Annie Mackin | Arthur Boothby | Benji Thomas | Corrie Wingate | Elena Rivera-Montanes Jack Hughes | Joe Bucklow | Marina Renee Cemmick | Niamh Birch | Peter Carrick Phoebe Evans | Robyn Packham | Sarah Hardy | Yeonsu Ju

Launch of Act 2  | 23.01.24 | 6-9pm 

08.06.23 – 24.05.24

Act 1 | May - December 2023

Act 2 | December - May 2024

Hallam Conference Centre | 44 Hallam St | London | W1W 6JJ

The term ‘mise-en-scène’, directly translated to mean 'setting the stage', is commonly used to refer to set design and arrangement of actors in scenes for a theatre or film production. Mise-en-scène has, in film criticism, been called the "grand undefined term" (Timothy Corrigan, 2015). It has been criticised for its focus on theatrical or dramatic design aspects rather than the plot itself, as those who utilise ‘mise-en-scène’ tend to look at what is "put before the camera" (Brian Henderson, 1976) rather than the story.

The exhibition explores how we interpret and are affected by the mise-en-scène in our everyday environments. Through the eyes of the featured Artists, the ‘metteur en toile’ (one who puts on the canvas), will take the place of the Directors, the 'matteur en scène' (one who puts on the stage), in how we view and interpret our surroundings, whether that is our home, a beach or our favourite place to go with friends.

Central themes the artists in Mise-en-scène address within their work compose the five core elements of presentation (composition, sets, props, characters, costumes, and lighting) with memory, time, nostalgia, personal history and emotional value.

These themes address the perceived shortcomings around 'plot' in the mise-en-scène of theatre and film. Considering the idea of mise-en-scène from an artist's perspective, the artworks weave personal narrative, or 'plot', through the snapshot scenes. The contemporary art demonstrates the emotional response to the surroundings, imbuing storytelling through composition.

The 12-month exhibition is divided into two acts. In the second act, the artists will explore the impact of time, experience and emotion on mis-en-scène and the story of place. Throughout the show however, Mis-en-scène offers an opportunity to ask an age-old question, are we a product of our environment? And how does our real-life 'set' impact our sense of self?