Incahoots at the XYZ Gallery in Chancery Lane, Grays Inn Road, London April - May 2025 - Update
The XYZ Gallery
Incahoots 2.0 at the XYZ Gallery, London, WC1 - Opening night
The second edition of INCAHOOTS took place at the XYZ gallery located on Grays Inn Road in London, WC1, showcased an eclectic line up of 9 contemporary fine artists, alongside evening events, featuring a diverse mix of spoken word performances, live music, engaging artist interviews and short film screenings,
The show was curated, organised and promoted by myself and my son, actor, playwright and spoken word artist Aldous C Squire.
A panorama pic of INCAHOOTS 2.0 at the XYZ Gallery, London, WC1
Exhibiting artists included:
Francesca Alaimo
Francesca Alaimo is a self-taught visual artist who creates interventions on paper through the manipulation and transformation of materials. Their work is centred on queer identity and existentialism; it explores shame, visibility, vulnerability and courage, starting a discourse on gender non-conformity, radical existence and identity validation from other perspectives and a place of questioning.
Rosso Emerald Crimson
Rosso's portraiture vividly brings to life women whose life stories and societal viewpoints mirror her own, encapsulating a deep personal connection. These portraits feature women with intent gazes and somber expressions, positioned in the limelight, thereby igniting the viewer's imagination and eliciting profound, personal reflections.
John Ball
Based in Romford (London, U.K) and working primarily in the South East of the United Kingdom, contemporary artist John Ball creates unsettling images of a bleak suburban landscape. John is probably best known for his appearance on the Sky Arts ‘Landscape Artist Of The Year’ television show where he was fortunate enough to place as finalist.
Jarek Jay Filipowicz
Born in the culturally rich city of Łódź, Poland, Filipowicz's artistic journey is deeply rooted in the diverse heritage of Polish, Russian, German and Jewish cultures. His work reflects his extensive travels and his passion for capturing the essence of human experience through photography and abstract painting.
His paintings, often acrylic on canvas, are a testament to his ability to weave colour and texture into a fabric that captures the gaze of the audience.
Katerina Iacovides
In her fine art photography, she delves into surreal and bizarre themes, where fairy tales and fantasy serve as ongoing sources of inspiration. Vintage aesthetics influence her style, while she also pokes fun at aspects of popular culture. She utilizes a mix of colour, monochrome, and digital art techniques.
Katerina approaches portraits as a means of self-expression. Her work embodies a playful and distinctly feminine aesthetic, yet it often draws upon macabre themes like grief and stillness. She enjoys creating a sense of unease and tension within her images. She endeavours to confront the viewer, encouraging them to question the narratives embedded in her work.
Ben Wilson - The Chewing Gum Man
Most people know the artist Ben Wilson primarily for his thousands of intricate miniature paintings that are crafted on discarded pieces of chewing gum.
However, his artistic work is far more varied and complex than one might initially think, as it involves a rich diversity of materials and media.
From his beautifully detailed paintings on tiny ceramic tiles to his expansive and thought-provoking outdoor sculptural environments, Ben approaches his artistic practice in a consciously spontaneous manner, allowing each artwork to naturally evolve from its unique place and the specific time in which it is created.
Jessica Illsley
This new series of paintings is about self awareness and developing a deep connection with the subconscious. It explores death, the concept of the soul, the shedding of the body, and the transition into spirit. Some of the works in the series depict the connection with the primal urge to experience emotions on an animalistic level. They explore the process of recognising the animalistic qualities we have within us, some which need to be tamed, others released, celebrated and admired. In doing so we reconnect with the deepest parts of our beings and bring suppressed emotions to the surface integrating and normalising them. This process of integration and recognition can help to form a useful relationship with the subconscious.
Michelle Watson
Michelle is a UK based Artist who studied for a fine art degree in Chichester university. Her practice focuses primarily on encapsulating the many scars and hormonal changes endured throughout a woman’s lifetime. Her choice of using raw cotton or linen canvas as a base on which to paint, adds texture and depth to both her application and colour. From the initial fluidity and free application of the ink used, developing into a many layered yet conscious application of the oil paint, a female form emerges.
Paul Kingsley Squire
Photos from the exhibition:
INCAHOOTS collaborated with the launch of film production company Studio Liminal on the the 26th April 2025
INCAHOOTS film screening event at the XYZ gallery in WC1
A very special film screening event at the XYZ gallery in WC1, organised and hosted by Aldous C Squire in collaboration with Studio Liminal’s Christian Bevan, the evening featured an exciting bill of cutting edge short films, as well as a Q&A session with the filmmakers themselves.
Breathless
Choreographed by Madeline Squire and Scottish Ballet’s associate Choreographer Nicholas Shoesmith, “Breathless” showcases a dynamic collaboration, filmed in the distinctive and atmospheric location of The Revelator, Glasgow,
With the direction of Eve McConnachie, the dancers, Harvey Littlefield and Evan Loudon, embody the intricate symbols of the multifaceted themes that run through every meaningful relationship, exploring concepts such as balance, power dynamics, trust, and greed.
The film is created as an infinite loop and shot within a fully enclosed circular space, which beautifully reflects the cyclical nature of both life and relationships.
Not a Mourning Person
Fresh from a night out at yesterday’s wake, 'Rent-A-Mourner' Charlie turns up to her next funeral late, tired, and hungover. Another day at the office. But when the morning/mourning takes an unexpected turn, she must come face to face with a deeply buried secret from the past.
Written by Toto Bruin, directed by Charlotte Hamblin, and produced by Izzy Meikle-Small and Will Matthews - this dark comedy toes the lines between life, death, and taking control of the narrative.
Foxhole
After witnessing the death of several of their friends in a bloody skirmish, three battle-worn British soldiers must decide the fate of a lone fifteen-year-old German soldier.
War is hell, moral conflict, dehumanisation, men’s mental health, loss, camaraderie, compassion and the extremes of the human condition.
A Fortuna Pictures and Rivers Meet Productions Film
Director - Tom Brittney
Writers - Adam Howes & Harry Davies
Executive Producer - Robson Green
Senior Producer - Gabriella Fortuna
Co Producer - Tian Scott
Associate Producer - Reggie McHale
Mother Must Be Fed
A couple must perfect their barren garden to earn the right to have a child, but when they hide a secret pregnancy, they face an impossible choice between their family’s future and the life of their land.
In a world where a couple must perfect their garden to earn the right to have a child, their land refuses to thrive. As they conceal a secret pregnancy from an ever-watchful inspector, they are forced to confront an impossible choice: sacrifice the future of their family or the life of their garden.
Set against an unsettling, fertile landscape, this story explores the cost of creation and asks—what are we willing to give up to bring new life into the world, and can we live with the consequences of that choice?
Writer and Director : Christian Bevan for Studio Liminal
INCAHOOTS special spoken word and live music event with artist interviews - Friday 2nd May:
In this evening event hosted and organised by Aldous C Squire, we got to delve deep into the incredible work of our 9 selected artists, accompanied by spoken word poetry, live music & artist interviews for the return of this very special INCAHOOTS 2.0 event!
Soulful vibes of new era hip hop, from Image (Imani Yashua), Rithvik Andugula & Southy, inspiring poetry from spoken word artists Poppy Eliza, Aldous C Squire, Emma McGordon & insights into the creative process from artists Michelle Watson, Katerina Iacovides, Ben Wilson and Paul Kingsley Squire.
Another night filled to the brim with creativity, music and poetry in motion.
With spoken word artists:
Aldous C Squire
Emma McGordon
Poppy Eliza
Live music from:
Image ( Imani Yahshua)
Rithvik Andugula
Southy
Masquerade Ball in collaboration with the HAUS OF INTRUSIVE THOTS
Hosted by Scarlett Love Stitt and the queer performance collective Haus Of Intrusive Th0ts - where best dress is a necessity.
Visitors stepped into a world of mystery and elegance at our Masquerade Ball. An hilarious and enchanting evening where art, music, and performance merged with the surreal drag, cabaret, clown & burlesque acts in this incredible evening.
We promised it would be a night you won’t want to miss and you won’t forget, and we think that certainly came true…!
The line up featured outrageous shenanigans from:
Scarlett Love Stitt
Joyce
Parker Dee
Marina Issues
Soglotesque
Ella the Great
Lady Bolognese
Cilla Black
Ralph
Sarjana
