Here Comes the Sun
“Here Comes the Sun” was a multi-sensory experiential exhibition hosted within a curated living space, blending art and design. Launched on the Summer Solstice, it featured Samu Studio’s debut mycelium and hemp-grown sculpture triptych. Elevated with homeware brands, including Tala, Haeckels, TAKT, and Ligne Roset, the show served as a pop-up showroom for ethically aligned furniture and homeware, emphasizing shared values in a calm and inviting biophilic design space.
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The goal was to create an immersive exhibition that showcased mycelium-grown sculptures and fostered a space where visitors could connect with art in a mindful and eco-conscious way. I had to curate the space, onboard relevant brand partners, create marketing materials, and manage the logistics of the entire show—all while offering workshops and interacting with visitors. The challenge was balancing multiple roles while ensuring the experience was engaging and meaningful.
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As the creator and curator, I conceptualised the show, created the artwork, and curated the gallery space to reflect biophilic design principles. I handled the brand partnerships with local, national, and international collaborators, created the marketing materials, and led the print production and framing of the art. Additionally, I manned the gallery for 10 days, engaging with visitors, serving coffee, and guiding them through the exhibition. I also hosted paper collage workshops with G . F Smith, enriching the experience with hands-on creative activities.
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To bring “Here Comes the Sun” to life, I transformed the Fairhurst Gallery into a curated, living room-inspired space where visitors could relax and engage with the artwork through sight, sound, scent, and touch. Every object and piece of furniture was carefully chosen for its sustainable and biophilic qualities, aligning with the overarching theme of mindfulness and ecological responsibility.
We collaborated with key brands, including TAKT, Haeckels, Ligne Roset, G . F Smith, Fujifilm, Talk Club, Assembly Coffee, Rega, Tala, Briiv. Rega, creating a multi-brand pop-up showroom within the exhibition. These partnerships introduced the brands to a new audience in Norwich, while supporting the ethos of the exhibition.
Additionally, we incorporated a community-focused element by collaborating with Talk Club, a men’s mental health charity, to host listening and talking groups during the show. This created an atmosphere of support and reflection, aligning with the exhibition’s focus on mental well-being.
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The exhibition was a success, attracting a diverse audience and gaining positive feedback from both visitors and partners. The mycelium sculptures, a first for Samu Studio, captivated attendees with their unique blend of sustainability and abstract design. The multi-sensory experience created a calming and reflective space that resonated with the ethos of biophilic design.
Key brands featured in the exhibition, such as Ligne Roset and Haeckels, benefited from exposure to new customers, and the workshops and partnerships helped solidify Samu Studio’s position as a creative force committed to eco-friendly design and mindfulness.
The success of the show sparked new ideas for larger-scale future exhibitions, with a focus on expanding into full apartment or house-sized installations, allowing for even more immersive experiences.
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Client: Samu Studio / Multiple Brand Partners
Project: Here Comes the Sun Exhibition
Collaborators: TAKT, Haeckels, Ligne Roset, G . F Smith, Fujifilm, Talk Club, Assembly Coffee, Rega, Tala, Briiv. Rega
Photography: Will Pitt.
Curation: Sam Harrons
Project Management: Joe Thompson
Concious Collaborations
We collaborated with a carefully curated collection of brands and designers to help elevate the art and experience. Ambient lighting from Tala, organic scents from Haeckels, ethically sourced furniture from TAKT, inspiring designers, a cosy corner made by the iconic Togo by Ligne Roset and more. Each chosen for their ethical and aesthetic alignment with Samu Studio.
Spotify Playlist
As a multisensory experience, an important element of the exhibition was sound. Here’s a playlist comprising many of the records I was playing in the space.
A Space for men to talk, with Talk Club
Talk Club is a men’s mental health charity focused on creating supportive communities through open conversations. Its mission is to improve the well-being of men by providing a safe and inclusive environment where they can discuss their feelings and mental health challenges. By promoting regular check-ins and encouraging honest dialogue, Talk Club aims to reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health issues, foster emotional resilience, and ultimately reduce male suicide rates. The organisation offers various support groups, activities, and resources to help men connect, share, and support each other in their mental health journeys.
