FLORA - Internation Open Call Exhibition
FLORA brings together more than 150 artists and makers through two interconnected exhibitions: a physical presentation at •nook• featuring work from across the UK, and a digital exhibition showcasing international artists. Together, they form the most ambitious exhibition project in •nook•'s history, offering a broad survey of contemporary responses to botanical themes and the natural world.
The natural world provides a rare point of connection between people, places and cultures. Plants cross borders, adapt to new environments and become woven into local histories and traditions. The works presented in FLORA reflect this sense of interconnectedness. Although shaped by different personal experiences, materials and cultural contexts, they are united by a shared engagement with the living world and our relationship to it.
What began as a relatively straightforward open call quickly revealed the remarkable diversity of ways in which artists engage with the subject of flora. While some works focus directly on flowers, plants and landscapes, others approach the theme through ideas of growth, resilience, transformation, ecology, memory, identity and care - the exhibition demonstrates the richness and adaptability of the botanical theme within contemporary creative practice.
The scale of the response to the exhibition was unexpected. Nearly 500 artists submitted work, transforming what was originally conceived as a modest open call into an international project. For a small independent gallery in Birmingham, this was both surprising and encouraging. It demonstrated the extent to which contemporary creative communities operate beyond traditional geographical boundaries and highlighted the ability of digital platforms to connect artists, audiences and opportunities across significant distances.
FLORA is therefore not only an exhibition about nature. It is also a reflection on connection: between artists and audiences, between local and international communities, and between creative practices that may be separated by geography but connected through shared interests and concerns.
Rooted in Birmingham, connected worldwide
The digital exhibition can be explored online from anywhere in the world, but visitors to •nook• can also experience it through our VR headsets, allowing the exhibition to become an additional virtual gallery space within •nook• itself.
Fri 12th June 7-9pm
FLORA: Private View night - Everybody is welcome
Sun 14th June 7-9pm
FLORA: Down Out Up - immersive Poetry Book Launch with Annie Colloby
Thur 18th June, 6:30-8:30pm
FLORA: Seaweed Yarn Workshop with Elle MacMillan
19-21 June - •nook's• Birthday Weekend
Our 2nd Birthday Celebration - pop-up bar open all weekend /have a drink in our newly created garden pathway / join our birthday giveaway
Fri 19th June 6-9pm
FLORA Late Opening / Birthday Party
More events to come!