Coconut Shy brings together eight 2025 graduates who have been working collaboratively over the last year on a circus-themed exhibition.

FRUITFUL is a six week programme of exhibitions by emerging artists in Southampton.

Rooted in ‘a space’ arts’ RIPE graduate scheme, delivered in partnership with Southampton Solent University and Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, this celebration of budding talent showcases nearly 40 home-grown artists working in a verity of mediums and practices.

Coconut Shy brings together six 2025 graduates who have been working collaboratively over the last year on a circus-themed exhibition that explores speculative story-telling as a framework for individual practices and collective imagining.

Meet the artists

Caitlin Chaldecott

Amy Hamilton

Anya Isaacs

Courtney Madley

Martha Phillips

Charlotte White

What is RIPE?

Established in 2018, the RIPE programme supports graduate artists from Southampton Solent University and Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton to exhibit and engage in artistic exchange and experimentation, forming networks and friendships that will help them sustain a fruitful visual arts practice.

The programme has previously been based at Alfred Arcade, the Hidden Wardrobe and the Alfred Arms on Old Northam Road in Southampton, and is now welcomed at God’s House Tower and the Arches Studios.

Each year, a new cohort is recruited under a different fruit name. Explore previous RIPE projects from the Bananas, Mangoes, Tomatoes, Peaches, Plums, Pears, Papayas and Coconuts.

Exhibition

Fruitful: Coconuts Launch Party – Friday 6th November, 6 - 9pm

Exhibition on display until Sunday 15 November.

Coconut Shy brings together eight 2025 graduates who have been working collaboratively over the last year on a circus-themed exhibition that explores speculative story-telling as a framework for individual practices and collective imagining.

Upcoming Fruitful Exhibitions and Launch Parties:

Fruitful: Zest Launch Party – Friday 20th November, 6 – 9pm

Exhibition on display until Sunday 29th November.

ZEST Collective formed in 2020 as a result of a growing ambition amongst the RIPE artists to establish an independent organisation and lead their own programmes. Six years and many projects later, this exhibition brings together current ZEST members from across the city and beyond.

Acces & Quiet Spaces

The ground-floor bar and café at GHT have step-free access from Town Quay Road. For information on parking and travel, please visit our Plan your Visit page. The artwork for this exhibition is located in the Main Gallery and the Barker-Mill Project Space, both of which are accessible via lift.

Quiet Hours: Every Thursday morning from 10am – 12pm, lights will be dimmed and sound levels lowered.

For the duration of this exhibition, the library will also be available as a quiet space. This space includes dimmed lighting, seating, quiet music, and water. You are welcome to use it at any time if you would like a break.

If you’d like to familiarise yourself with the venue before your visit, you can take a virtual tour of our spaces on our website. You’ll also find a visual story introducing members of the GHT team. Click here to Plan Your Visit or take a Virtual Tour

Do you have any access requirements? We are happy to discuss individual access needs wherever possible. Please email enquiries@aspacearts.org.uk

Description supplied by the event organiser.