In Summer 2022, we started our search for Whitechapel Gallery’s first Young Writer in Residence. Emerging writers aged 18-24 were invited to apply, and submit a short original piece of writing which responded to The London Open as part of their application.
Elspeth was selected as the 2022-23 Runner Up, along with Esther-Rennae Walker and Danielle Sargeant, for the Gallery’s Young Writer in Residence Programme. The inaugural 2022-23 Winner was Yulin Huang.
With thanks to all those who applied, and to our selection panel which included journalist Precious Adesina, writer Gabriella Egavalle, and Whitechapel Gallery staff.
Elspeth Walker is a writer and language artist, studying MA Writing at the RCA. She works at the National Poetry Library and Lavender Arts School, whilst being part of Liquid Gold Studios. She writes creative essays, alongside experimenting with the relationship between writing and materials.
Elspeth’s submission
The Egg of Whitechapel plays on my first encounter with Thuy-Han Nguyen-Chi’s artwork. Focusing on the eggshell, originally sent to me in a video by a guy I met on a dating app, I used it as a focal point to negotiate my feelings of being with another person again. When I visited the gallery, I ended up projecting my vulnerabilities onto each artwork, questioning who I was in London, using the creative essay form to replicate my thoughts.
An opportunity for an early career creative to work on their writing practice in the context of a contemporary art gallery.
