912 is a Virtual Reality (VR) video experience based on participatory performances by trans and non-binary people dealing with the opposing life forces of waiting and carrying on, within the life-cycle of a day as a recurring unit. 

About the exhibition

The starting point is the waiting time required for an appointment at the Gender Identity Clinics (GIC). 912 refers to the number of days Niya had to wait for her first appointment. The waiting lists at GICs across the UK are getting longer, with times for a first appointment ranging from three to over four years.

912 departs from a specific trans lived experience of waiting, whilst having to find the strength to carry on. The project aims to create empathy and understanding across the wider public through the use of VR technology.  

The project consists of three parts, each corresponding to 1/3 of 912 cycles, documented with a 360 camera. Niya engaged with communities of trans and non-binary people in Birmingham and London through workshops and participatory ritual acts.

At ONCA, visitors will experience the 360 video through a VR headset within an immersive video and sound installation that will take over the gallery.

More info here.

Events

Exhibition launch: Wednesday 20 July, 6 – 8pm. More info here.

Free skill sharing session in 360 video, Thursday 21 July, 6 – 8pm. More info here.

—

Project credits

The project is supported through a National Lottery Project Grant by the Arts Council England, a Vivid Projects commission and public engagement partners ONCA, BOM, Site Gallery.

It was conceived during Niya B’s research on 360 filming and performance, supported by a 2020 Jerwood Bursary.

About the artist

Niya B is a transfeminist artist, working at the intersections of visual art and performance. She explores themes related to ecology, posthumanism, (trans)gender politics, class and equity in health and wellbeing. As a counteraction to political polarisation, Niya seeks to establish intimacy with her audience, creating a meditative space of vulnerability, affect and interdependence. Her work departs from the personal to expand beyond representation and identity politics.

Niya has shown work in exhibitions, festivals, live art events and academic conferences including Tate Britain and The Yard Theatre (London), CCA (Glasgow), Performance Space (Folkestone), NEoN festival (Dundee); 5th Thessaloniki Biennale; 5th Moscow Biennale; International Print Biennale (Newcastle); Goldsmiths University of London; University of Leeds. Niya has been supported by a-n, Jerwood Arts, Arts Council England, the British Council and the Cultural Institute Leeds among others. Her work has been featured in Elephant magazine, Dazed and Future Now/Aesthetica Art Prize.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Opening Days & Times

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 1 – 6pm
Saturday: 1 – 4pm

Sunday, Monday & Tuesdays: Closed

___

Image credit: photo by Manuel Vason

Image description: photograph of a outstretch hand holding a metal counter displaying the number 912. The person holding it has painted red nails and several bracelets around their wrist.