D.G.S.Y.R - The Faces Behind the Name

'The Doom Gloom Stuck in Your Room' Report:

Curated by three wonderful powerhouses over lockdown (Zsuzsa Magyar, Lindsay Wickersham and Morgan Bakinowski), the aim of DGSY was to create a public space to showcase an immense collection of quarantine art. From paintings and sketches to short films and musical performances, they had it all. Stepping through the DGSY door was like entering a beautiful, expressive fever dream, it feels so special to be able to take a look into all of these artists' lockdown brains. Witnessing the creative beauty that emerges from such an odd, turbulent time is totally wonderful. Their residency has been extended until October 17th so if you get a chance to go and peruse the Ziferblat walls, you absolutely should.

I sat down with Zsuzsa, Lindsay & Morgan to thank them for their light in these gloomy, uncertain times, to reflect on the success of their creation and to ask them how it came to fruition

How did you all manage to keep creative during lockdown?

M: Well, when the physical world closes its doors, people turn to the world on their phones and in their homes. Personally I was doing a lot of browsing on socials, but also finding a new sacredness in the walls around me that I never experienced before. In a way, I feel like everyone was on that wavelength (or at least those who had the opportunity/privilege to stay home and safe), just completely engulfed in a surreality that seemed so alien and limiting. Obviously however, that proved to not necessarily be the case...

Z: I had just attended a module at Slade Art School so was in the process of creating a portfolio of drawings based on the idea of confinement and the return to one’s childhood home. This included teaching my mother how to draw and paint, as well as tuning into weekly lock-down drawing classes on zoom.

L: Not being able to leave the house made me very restless so I was finding any excuse to use my hands. I made jewellery for friends, made etchings to sell in support of Reclaim The Block, started collecting and painting old photographs and sewed some balaclavas so that I could be fashionable for the (what is seemed like at the time) forthcoming apocalypse. I also learnt a few new songs on the accordion and made accompanying videos.

Why did you decide to curate DGSYR?

Z: Lindsay and I had discussed prior to lockdown how we wanted to curate an artistic event together and when we suddenly found ourselves in this uniquely creative time it felt like an opportune time to jump into action.

L: At the start of the lockdown it seemed as though there wasn’t a cohesive space to celebrate all of the creative work being done since galleries and museums were closed. We wanted to provide an online alternative to restore some form of gallery experience. As well as to provide an opportunity for artists in lockdown to look forward to an eventual physical exhibition. The beginnings of the idea came to be as I began to notice, and was excited by, the creativity flourishing among people I knew. Secret hobbies were being revealed as newfound poets, people recording and sharing songs on instruments that once collected dust, and knitting projects among other creative exploits became a regular and welcomed addition to my online experience. Upon more research I noticed this was a widespread phenomenon. That time of quiet, and slowing down for many meant they could focus on things that they had been too busy and distracted to do. I contacted Zsuzsa to see what she thought and she was instantly enthusiastic. Zsuzsa then contacted Morgan and it was then that the trio was born!

M: In short, because why not?

What was the aim?

Z: Our ‘CURES’ are very much at the core of our understanding. But generally speaking we saw a need for a public creative space during lockdown.

M: We wanted to support artists, and people in general, in vulnerable and uncertain times putting themselves out there to proclaim, “Hey! This shit is hard and scary, and this is how I know how to communicate that and work through these concerns!”. One of the only choices we have in what’s going on right now is how we process it, how we can uplift each other, and how we can make space to hear, understand, and empathize with each other.

What were each of your favourite moments/pieces of art/artists/outcomes?

M:I really loved Eli’s performance. It was the first time I’d heard live music in ages I realized... His tender execution highlighted his genuine care, and somehow that compassion leaked out to embrace the whole room. It was marvelous!

L: A favourite moment was definitely seeing everything fall in place at the opening night after months of hard work. Having the ability to finally sit back and enjoy the exhibition with friends was such a blessing. I love all my children equally. However, there is one piece that is very dear to me and that is Humanity Mood by Argentinian artist Leon Auchterlonie.

Z: I’m not sure I can pick a favourite piece of art within the exhibit but I think one of my favourite moments was when Eli played his set and I looked around to see many of the DG artists mixed in with our supportive friends (socially distanced…but in the same room). I think the fact that we were able to capture a glimmer of normality in that moment was really special and hopefully we can hold onto that as proof that art lives on in a time of crisis.

PHOTOS BY OLLIE COWLEY

What's something that surprised you?

M: How much I missed seeing art hung on the walls, but also how much I love watching other people’s reactions to art on the walls.

L: When we first started getting submissions for our open call it was amazing to see the talent and responses coming from around the globe. I was surprised that our little project managed to reach as many as it did.

Z: Exactly. I was surprised that there were so many people willing to take a chance on our project. Curating an exhibit was not something that we had done before and so many creatives and professional artists took interest, and trusted us with their wonderful work.

What do you hope people take away from DGSYR?

L: I hope the artists feel supported and find pride in their achievements. I hope that the visitors feel a sense of community and find value in this positive outcome; in spite of the difficult time we have endured.

Z: I hope people are left invigorated by how much talent we have all around us. I think it's important to know that even during such uncertain times art can be a really effective way of processing.

Was this a one-time thing or are we looking at something more long-term with FDS/DGSYR?

M: Oh we’ve got stuff on the way, hold on to your cowboy boots...