A dream project for DPS

by Alessia Arcuri

DPS alumni Alessia Arcuri was given the invitation by Tate to visually explore a surreal world of costumes, sound, tarot and making. Inspired by surrealist ways of thinking and making, she and collaborator Rosemary Jane Cronin were invited to create an exciting new creative space at Tate Britian incorporating costume collages, dream notebooks and explore life lessons hidden in tarot cards based on artworks on view at Tate Britain. A key consideration was how audiences might bring ideas to this space, how will it makes people feel, and what will visitors take away? Devised by artist Rosemary Jane Cronin with Tate Britain’s Early Years and Families’ team, Alessia created design for the space

Alessia describes her practice thus: I am an artist, designer and researcher. My professional practice can be mostly situated within the field of visual communication and graphic design for the arts and cultural institution, with a key focus on learning programmes.  I also work as an Associate Lecturer in Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design and Kingston School of Art. I also take on selected publishing, digital and consultancy projects. My research and output are concerned with the materiality and performativity of language. I currently work with workshop-based formats, using performance, theatre, print and video. 

I am part of Autocoscienza Writing Group, a collective working with and promoting the work of Italian feminist and writer Lea Melandri. From 2021 till 2024, together with John Philip Sage, I used to run the workshop DRAMA. From 2018 till 2021, I was also member of the collective Evening Class. 

Currently, my practice and research focus on: poetic languages and performance; precarious work; modes of production, reproduction and cooperation. My ongoing interest in trans/feminisms and queer theories and practices contributes to my position.  I am always interested in starting conversations.
info@alessiaarcuri.com