Expressions of Resilience
Expressions of Resilience, designed as both an exhibition and a movement, this project celebrates the power of resilience through the voices of young, emerging talent. Watch our film.
Film by Benjamin Parry
About
Reclaiming Space for Creativity and Community
In a world where genuine self-expression is increasingly constrained, Expressions of Resilience emerged as a bold grassroots initiative to reclaim physical spaces for creativity, community, and collaboration.
The journey of Expressions of Resilience began with a design competition, inviting young creators across East London to reimagine the use of BUILDHOLLYWOOD’s 1 Quaker Street, space in Shoreditch into a public space and cultural programme, using recycled materials from film & TV sets, in collaboration with Re-collective. After careful deliberation, the winning designers’ visions were selected and brought to life.
These designs formed the backbone of an immersive exhibition that transformed BUILDHOLLYWOOD’s space in Shoreditch, into a vibrant hub of art, collaboration, and storytelling.
The Designers
Lily Nguyen & Akif Rahman and their Submission ‘Unbreakable Voices’ & Taja Dennis and her Submission ‘Power with Expression’.
Taja Dennis is an aspiring architectural designer dedicated to crafting inclusive, creative spaces that uplift communities. Her design for The Carwash space at 1 Quaker Street is designed to empower local youth, offering dynamic environments to nurture their creative potential. In her project, Expressions of Resilience, Taja fosters healing and artistic dialogue, creating a platform for diverse, vibrant communities.
Lily Nguyen and Akif Rahman, both aspiring architects, were awarded for their design, “Unbreakable Voices,” a concept that takes visitors on a symbolic three-part journey through East London’s creative evolution, from reflection to experimentation and protest. The design consists of three distinct spaces: The Tearoom, The Camp, and The Kitchen, installed at the Sandbox at BUILDHOLLYWOOD’s 1 Quaker Street Space.
The Creative Producers
Braulio Chimbembe, At just 21 years old, Braulio Chimbembe is already making waves as an actor, producer, and founder of TRY42, a platform reshaping the boundaries of storytelling and community engagement. His innovative live event series, SFS, serves as a hub for fostering collaboration and celebrating emerging talent. As part of the cultural program, Braulio and his team showcased their groundbreaking Vertical Cinema series, further solidifying his role as a pioneer in contemporary creative expression.
Taylor Dacosta, Taylor Dacosta is a multifaceted talent in the performing arts, seamlessly weaving dance, music, and theatrics into a distinctive creative narrative. Born and raised in Hemel Hempstead, Taylor honed his craft in East London’s vibrant artistic scene, developing expertise in acting, music production, and choreography. Known for his fearless self-expression and passion for innovation, Taylor’s work is a testament to his dedication to inspiring and connecting with audiences. For ‘Framed in Perspective,’ Taylor delivered an intimate, curated performance, featuring his self-produced film, original music score, and a captivating dance performance that exemplifies his unique artistic vision.
Exhibiting Artists
At the heart of Expressions of Resilience is true collaboration—valuing every voice, medium, and story. From film and dance to visual art and soundscapes, every piece in this exhibition represents the unique perspective of an emerging artist, empowered to experiment and grow in an environment free from gatekeepers.
Arozo Faizey | At 22, Arozo combines textiles with design to share her Hazara heritage. Her mixed media work Threads of Identity embodies the struggles and resilience of the Hazara people.
Noor Nematt | Jordanian-Palestinian painter depicting resilience and identity amidst conflict. Her portrait Bisan Owda tells the story of a young journalist from Gaza, celebrating voices of hope and survival.
Maryam Adam I An interdisciplinary artist exploring displacement and colonial legacies. Her piece Watered by Strange Hands critiques colonial destruction, inspired by Ghassan Kanafani’s The Land of Sad Oranges.
Farah Maktari | British-Yemeni artist bridging historical narratives and modern identity. Her painting Zawba3a (whirlwind) is a vivid map of Middle Eastern cultural transformation, celebrating Yemeni heritage and inviting viewers to engage with culture as a form of resilience.
Exhibiting Artists
Nabeela Zaman | Multidisciplinary artist and activist, confronting issues like the Shia genocide and Palestinian struggles. Her layered works, Resistance and Untitled Poem, are deeply personal and political, challenging viewers to confront injustices.
Sam Elbahja | Poet and artist merging her Moroccan-Thai heritage with architectural insights. Her piece Mother Tongue is a vibrant ode to her mother’s resilience and the deeper meaning of language.
Amira Dabboussi | British-Tunisian filmmaker delving into dual heritage and faith. Her film I will mourn the word God reflects on cultural memory and the search for connection to roots.
Vidya Meera | London-based documentary filmmaker capturing culture, conservation, and spirituality. Her latest work, Dear Daivam, takes us through sacred Hindu sites, exploring the persistence of faith.
Why It Matters
At its heart, Expressions of Resilience is a celebration of resilience—not just in art, but in the communities that create it. It’s a call to reclaim physical spaces as places of connection, collaboration, and inspiration.
By embracing grassroots action, sustainable design, and authentic storytelling, this project sets a precedent for what’s possible when we prioritise equity, creativity, and community.y standards and good practice guidelines and frameworks.
Sustainability at the Core
In partnership with Recollective, Expressions of Resilience exemplifies a commitment to sustainable design. Ninety percent of the materials used to create the exhibition were sourced from recycled resources, and an impressive 90% of those materials will be repurposed post-event. This visionary approach ensures the project not only celebrates creativity but also respects the planet, setting a new standard for responsible design.
BUILDHOLLYWOOD
The success of Expressions of Resilience would not have been possible without the support of BUILDHOLLYWOOD, an organisation dedicated to championing creativity and cultural expression in public spaces. Together, we’ve created a platform where emerging voices are amplified and celebrated, allowing young creators the freedom to fully express themselves.
This partnership has redefined the possibilities of public art spaces, fostering an inclusive stage for diverse perspectives and ensuring that the creative spirit of East London remains vibrant and alive.