A retrospective on ASC Open Studios 2024 and the Love and Death exhibition
This year’s ASC Open Studios was a truly memorable experience, where I had the privilege to showcase my latest works alongside the art of Virginia the Wolf (Katrina “Kat” Arnold) in an emotional, reflective pop-up exhibition. Originally conceptualised as an open studio, the event became a collaborative tribute to Kat, following her passing in March 2024, and a re-exploration of my early project, Love and Death, which examines themes of death, grief, the cycle of life, and the beauty within darkness.
Love and Death was a foundational project for me, and this time, it served as a medium to engage deeply with Kat’s work. Through a combination of my new creations, Kat’s signature skull art, and personal installations, the exhibition addressed spiritual themes, mental health, and our shared reflections on life’s impermanence.
This exhibition included an array of media: video, photography, installation, and skull art. Kat’s unique works, drawn from her ethically sourced bone collection, provided a beautiful counterpoint to my new pieces. Highlights included my film Broken Barbie Part 1: The Descent and the digital print series Spirits of the Ancestors, both created in response to Kat’s passing. These works, alongside her impactful skull art, invited viewers to connect with both the cycle of life and the legacies we leave behind.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared stories, and engaged with these pieces. A special thank you to Kat’s family for their support in bringing this exhibition to life and for allowing us all to honour Kat’s vibrant legacy.
Love and Death was a deeply personal journey for me, made even more profound by sharing it alongside Kat’s work. This exhibition wasn't just about exploring life’s darker themes—it was a celebration of resilience, memory, and the beauty that emerges from loss.
EXHIBITION KEY INFORMATION:
Dates: Friday, September 13, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Studio CC39, The Chaplin Centre, Taplow House, Thurlow Street, Walworth, SE17 2UL
SELECTED WORKS
Danielle Jacques | 1984 | 2024 | Video, 3h00m19s
Danielle Jacques | Broken Barbie Part 1: The Descent | 2024 | Video, 7m52s
Virginia the Wolf | Untitled | n.d. | Spray paint, sheep’s skull
Virginia the Wolf | Ellie | n.d. | Spray paint, red deer skull, spray paint, eimass rhinestones
About Artist: Danielle Jacques
London-based, British, multimedia artist Danielle Jacques captivates audiences with her exploration of altered states of consciousness. Awarded a distinction in her Masters in Visual Arts: Fine Art Digital from Camberwell College of Arts in 2020, Danielle's work seamlessly blends the tangible and the virtual. Referencing practices from Buddhist meditation to electronic raves, she transforms everyday materials through her unique process, inviting viewers to experience the sublime through her lens.
Danielle has exhibited in multiple group shows in London, including the prestigious Saatchi Gallery. She received the Mercers’ Arts Award from the Mercers Company in 2020.
Instagram: @djartworks. Website: www.djartworks.com, Email: danielle@djartworks.com
About Artist: Virginia the Wolf
Virginia the Wolf was born from a passion for nature and artistry. Initially a platform for sharing and selling her hand-crafted bone jewellery and wearable art, the brand rapidly grew from a small London studio into an internationally recognized fashion enterprise. Virginia the Wolf's sustainable and ethically sourced creations and unique vision allow customers to appreciate the beauty of nature’s creations. Sourcing materials with care, she ensured no animal was harmed in the process. Over time, her range expanded to include jewellery, wall art, headdresses, and more, each piece carefully designed to showcase nature's beauty in a new light.
Instagram: @virginiathewolf, Website: https://www.virginiathewolf.com/