An exhibition at Boojum&Snark showcasing images and stories that highlight the need for a safe place
Chuffle begins a year-long cultural program supported by Arts Council England, at Boojum&Snark, a regeneration project based in Sandown. It features three exhibitions, creative writing workshops, and events.
The first exhibition, Chuffle, includes an intriguing tale of how Sandown Bay got her stripes, alongside works by unaccompanied children seeking asylum curated by Elisa Ackroyd and images by Giles Clarke, a photojournalist dedicated to capturing the emotional realities of conflict and displacement around the world. Through this blend of art, photography, and storytelling, the exhibition delves into the profound themes of displacement, the search for safety, and finding home.
“When Teresa and I began Chuffle, a story about a tiger fleeing persecution, we knew that the central themes were about seeking and finding refuge. In essence, it was inspired by the work of the Wildheart Sanctuary but also an experiment in myth-making – a modern folktale if you will. For the exhibition we needed to in some way represent the reality of people facing loss of home due to political turmoil,” Tracy Mikich
The booklet is a partnership project with Brevity, the Isle of Wight’s Literary Handbill and poet Maggie Sawkins, featuring illustrations by Teresa Grimaldi, story by Tracy Mikich, design and print by Tommy Brentnall. The tale, beautifully illustrated by Teresa and designed and printed by alternative print specialist Tommy, explores the universal theme of finding home. Forced to flee her home, Tamillia’s odyssey for sanctuary mirrors the experiences of refugees seeking safety and belonging. The town’s transformation from initial hesitance to the welcoming embrace of Tamillia demonstrates the power of community to overcome fear and offer belonging – a true home.
But why Chuffle? Chuffle is a soft rumbling sound, very similar to a purr, that larger cats, including tigers, make. It’s like a greeting and can comfort and impart a sense of safety and reassurance. It links to the important role the Wildheart Sanctuary plays in animal welfare and the wider themes of displacement and refuge explored throughout the exhibition. Just as the tiger in the tale seeks a safe haven, so too do the refugee children whose artwork is featured.
Elisa Ackroyd has spent three years working with children and teenagers seeking asylum, leading weekly art sessions at a Brussels residential center for unaccompanied minors.
“Expressing themselves freely in a safe environment can help them process their experiences or simply relax for a bit and start to connect with themselves after usually a very long and dangerous journey,” Elisa explains.
“YOU+ME+US” are the words, written by 16-year-old Karim on his canvas, which became the title of this collection of artworks within the Chuffle exhibition. It explores the importance of community and belonging for displaced people.”
Each painting, accompanied by a short, poignant narrative, offers a glimpse into each person’s experiences and creativity. Karim’s painting depicts a ship with “shutters that open and close for stability and direction.” As he slowly painted, he began to feel that stability himself: “I could relax and stop thinking and thinking,” Karim
Chuffle invites visitors to reflect on the themes presented and consider their own perspectives on displacement, safety, and belonging. The exhibition will be open 2 days a week, opening times below.
Chuffle opens on Friday 28 March with an open view at 6 pm-8 pm.
There will be a series of flash fiction creative writing workshops led by Brevity, the Isle of Wight’s LIterary Handbill, where participants will be asked to respond to the themes raised in the exhibition. Dates in April and May – next one is Friday May 23 7-9pm to develop performance of myth-makers workshops.
HOME / You+Me = Us
Boojum&Snark Opening Times April-November
Friday 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday 11 am – 5pm
Also for events and workshops – see socials or Subculture Club page
There’s a small selection of drinks and refreshments available.
Many thanks to Giles Clarke for the loan of his images.
