Colonialism continues to oppress and exploit people. For thousands of years, colonies have spread across civilisations, bringing chaos, coups, corruption, civil wars, violence, and the destruction of indigenous cultures. In nature, colonies like beehives and ant nests show how insects form communities to survive. This division and control of land is a shared issue in both social and insect studies. Using these two diverse perspectives, this exhibition explores the (im)balance of colony formations.

A minefield stretches over the gallery floor; a beehive is suppressed through an industrial installation; tourism is documented and reflected on. How are colonies documented, formed, erased, hidden, and preserved? Enter this space in which artworks spread freely across and outside the gallery to think about and better understand the rationales and repercussions of contemporary coloniality.

The Platform Graduate Award presents the work of 10 artists launching their artistic careers following graduation. Part of a regional initiative established by CVAN South East (Contemporary Visual Arts Network South East) in 2012, Platform aims to support emerging talent at a key moment of transition. This year’s award features exhibitions at three partner organisations across the South East and West, including Aspex Portsmouth; Modern Art Oxford; Phoenix Art Space in Brighton; Box Gallery at University of Plymouth.

Aspex Portsmouth’s artists for 2024 include: Ian Golding and Jessica Babbini-Baker (Winchester School of Art, Southampton University), James Coombes and Ben NJ (Solent University, Southampton), Isobelle Munckton and Hima Bijoy (UCA Farnham), Danielè Balsyte and Ellie Svrlanska (University of Portsmouth), Prajvi Mandhani and Lynne Williams (Arts University Bournemouth).