Ascensions 1: Venice Biennale Honorees

For the first event in the Ascensions series, we are bringing together three graduates from the RCA School of Architecture: Ibiye Camp, Folasade (Flash) Okunribido and Lauren-Loïs Duah. Each of these spatial practitioners are honorees of the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale, with their work currently on display at this international exhibition (until 26 November).

Ibiye, Folashade and Lauren-Loïs will be back on campus to discuss their grounds and horizons and the ways in which the spirit of the RCA School of Architecture has informed and inspired their ongoing and future practice. Taking place in the ArtBar/Lounge, our guests will think through their work in both image and sound, emphasising the significance of presence and culture in the deepening of social and spatial practices, both across the School and beyond.

Held in the more informal, seminal setting of the ArtBar/Lounge, where some of the best ideas and deepest connections tend to come about, and to create a more discursive atmosphere; we want to talk, think, play some music, and collectively be together. 

Ibiye Camp (RCA MA Architecture 2019) is an artist whose work engages with technology, trade, and material within the African Diaspora. Ibiye co-founded Xcessive Aesthetics, an interdisciplinary design collective exploring data, immersive technologies and public installations. Ibiye co-runs a  BA studio with Rhiarna Dhaliwal, and Emmy Bacharach titled Digital Native at the Design Academy Eindhoven.

Folasade (Flash) Okunribido (RCA MA Architecture 2020) is a British-born Nigerian architect practising at AHMM London. Her Masters thesis on Yoruba history and emerging subjectivities - through the lens of architecture, tradition, colour - has been exhibited and published at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition, The Funambulist magazine and AA Files 78.

Lauren-Loïs Duah (RCA MA Architecture 2022) is a cross-disciplinary artist, writer and maker whose work focuses on the ways in which creativity can be used as a dynamic liberatory tool for social justice and to build positive, deeper connections. Lauren-Loïs is currently working at RESOLVE Collective.

Co-curated by Charlotte Grace and Thomas Aquilina
Support from Luiza Tatarska and Pam Su 
Music by Dara Khakpour (RCA Interior Futures 2021)
Poster design by Hereth (Clem Rousset: RCA MA Graphic Design 2020)