The TOMA 2022/24 cohort and TOMA Associates, are taking over Chalkwell Hall for a weekend exhibition, events and workshops. 

Private view: Friday 9 February, 6-10pm. Join the guestlist here.
Exhibition open: Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 February, 12-5pm.

‘I will not be dragooned…’ aka ‘I will not be frightened out’. The family motto of the original owner of Chalkwell Hall, as discovered by Rachel Lichtenstein, author and archivist. In 2008, Rachel was invited for a residency to help Metal uncover the history of Chalkwell Hall. The motto has been reinstated in the foyer of the building, providing inspiration and encouragement for those who use the space today. 

TOMA artists were enticed by this motto and felt it pertinent to their current practices and the ‘dreaming’ ways of TOMA. I will not be dragooned… presents a collection of works that hold a sense of strength, history and belonging. From looking at this motto through a lens of perspectives and diverse creative practices, TOMA artists have found insightful ways to express their own wills to not be dragooned. 

Whether it be looking into the intricate and multifaceted nature of the internet, slowing down, taking haste, engaging in child play, sitting under trees, seeking contemplation, growing the capacity of our gardens, reflecting on our public spaces or encouraging people to simply (yet profoundly) ‘get around to it’, we invite you to embrace our individual creative processes and perhaps discover your own response to this motto. This exhibition shows how we benefit from coming together in collaboration to embolden each other’s fascinations. 

TOMA current cohort artists:
– Neeral Bhatt
– Graham Burnett
– Erene Dellaporta
– James Forward
– Gülşen Güler
– Joanna Hartle
– Edi McGurk
– Eva Sbaraini
– Kate Sullivan
– Fredrix Vermin
– Fern Worsley 

TOMAssociates:
– Fiona Bennett
– Peter Haugh
– Blandine Martin
– Emma Mills
– Paige Ockendon
– Grace Price
– Jonathan Rust
– Jessica Scott
– Gemma Shaw
– Victoria Sills
– Philippa Stewart
 

The Other MA (TOMA) is an artist-run education model and exhibition space based in Southend on Sea which supports artists who have faced barriers accessing art education and the ‘art world’.