Redacted Poems from Rejection Emails

Since 2013 Berkshire-based creative Abhi has been keeping hold of every rejection email she’s received. These range from funding bid denials to job application rejections, amounting to an impressive 258 knock-backs so far. Drawing inspiration from American artist Austin Kleon's redacted poetry, Abhi has worked alongside local artist Grace Derriman. This exhibition is Abhi's attempt to find hidden poetry amidst all the rejections. It is Abhi’s way of turning lemons into lemonade — or, as she puts it, making manure from waste. The exhibition is also an invitation to the audience to turn their hand at redacting email texts to discover poetry within them. Abhi firmly believes that rejection is inherent in any creative process, and that it should be embraced with both courage and vulnerability. For her, rejection isn’t a mark of shame but a badge of honour, a pertinent reminder to celebrate the inevitable fallout of daring to try. Visitors to the exhibition will have a chance to create their own poems by redacting Abhi’s rejections emails. They can share their creations using #rejectionredacted. Open Tuesdays - Saturdays Tues 14 Jan - Sat 8 Feb Entry is Free