Artist Adam Karim discusses MANTELPEACE, a brand-new exhibition providing a fresh perspective on traditional masculinity at the Young Vic, created by Taking Part.
Adam Karim is a freelance theatre director and facilitator. His is the recipient of the JMK Award ’24, and was Resident Assistant Director ’22-’23 at the Donmar Warehouse. He will direct ‘Guards At The Taj’ at the Orange Tree Theatre this Autunm.
Tell us about MANTELPEACE and what can we expect?
Joy! Going into this project we immediately felt a heaviness around the topic of masculinity. We wanted to focus our efforts on the things we can celebrate. Which doesn’t mean ignoring the other stuff, it’s definitely present in the work, but why focus all our attention there? The exhibition itself is really varied- there’s music, art, film, written pieces, photography, and spaces for interaction. We do want the audience to leave feeling like they’ve participated and not just observed, maybe MANTELPEACE is a verb.
MANTELPEACE celebrates the transition from boyhood to manhood and provides a fresh perspective on traditional masculinity. Do you believe, now more than ever, it’s important to explore young masculinity in a positive capacity?
Where there’s life there’s hope. For example a common feeling from the men we’ve worked with over the last few months has been of pressure. The feeling of responsibility comes up so often, and for some it’s overwhelming. We could focus on that, and dive into the weight of all this expectation, or we can focus on the moments of release & joy that counter it. Which tells the same story, but identifies the hope.
What inspired the creation of this exhibition? What drew you to the project?
The opportunity for so much cross-artform collaboration excited me, but mainly the opportunity to work with our Learning Contributors, it’s the little moments of growth in individual sessions and cumulatively over the weeks that give me the most rewards.
MANTELPEACE is an exhibition from Taking Part, the Young Vic’s creative engagement department which provides free opportunities for young people, adults and schools in the local community. How important do you think it is to have projects like these?
They’re essential! Especially given the systemic removal of Art in schools. You’ll see no shortage of arts provision at Eton, that tells you something. Organisations like Young Vic are stepping up in incredible ways but we need lots, lots more support and lots, lots more of this work.
Is there anything about MANTELPEACE that might surprise audiences?
Well, telling would ruin any surprises! Hopefully the work challenges assumptions and the way some of us see ourselves. Our gallery assistants are also the Young Curator’s and Consultants who helped shape the choices in the exhibition, so for audiences there’s also a chance to engage with the ideas behind the choices and chat to them. They’re lovely!
What do you hope audiences will take away from the exhibition?
I hope it widens perspectives and creates an openness. I hope people share while they’re here and leave a little lighter.
What has been a highlight for you working of this project?
It’s tiny moments spread out across the weeks. Seeing the participant who wouldn’t share in week one offer something beautiful in week 5. The laughter, the vulnerability, it’s the accumulation of all these lovely moments of growth we all got to share.
Canyousumupthe experience of working on MANTELPEACE in 5 words?
Nostalgic Joyful Optimistic Empathetic Journey
MANTELPEACE is at the Young Vic until 20 July. Tickets are free and can be booked at https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/mantelpeace.