Alice Bucknell: Swamp City

HOXTON 253 art project space

5 May - 29 May

HOXTON 253 is proud to present Swamp City, the debut UK solo exhibition by artist and writer Alice Bucknell.

The exhibition explores the crossovers between architecture, ecology, disaster capitalism, simulated environments and non-human intelligence through speculative fiction and game engines.

Expanding upon late stage capitalism’s relationship to the climate crisis, and speculating on the possibilities of ecological survival in the rapidly changing landscape of the Florida Everglades, Swamp City takes the form of a mock real estate office vending luxury eco-tourism at the proverbial end of the world.

​Previously showcased at the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale, for the UK premiere of Swamp City, the speculative estate agency has been brought to life, temporarily transforming HOXTON 253’s gallery space into the offices of The Evergreen Group. It is complete with property listings, promotional pamphlets, 3D printed models, and slick metallic landscape prints, arranged inside a neon-tinted, houseplant-stuffed, copper-accented office space designed to lure in its millennial clientele and investors

Set in the backroom of the gallery is an intimate architectural installation housing Swamp City (2021), a 34 minute-long film that imagines the Florida Everglades as a luxury eco-tourism retreat in a near-future reality of severe climate disruption. Visitors can relax on bean bags embellished with Swamp City’s signature camouflage print while they watch the story unfurl through the perspective of multiple narrators: The Evergreen Group, an opportunistic celebrity architect, an anthropomorphic alligator, and a 3,500-year-old Bald Cypress tree resurrected with AI.

The exhibition programme includes:
▸ Guided exhibition tour with the Artist: Saturday 21st May 5-6 pm
▸ Artist talk + Q&A: Saturday 28th May 5-6pm

For more information and to RSVP the events please visit www.hoxton253.com

Exhibition runs: 6-29 May 2022 / Wed to Fri 1-7pm, Sat & Sun 11-5pm​
Opening reception: Thursday 5th May 5-9pm / drinks sponsored by Asahi Super Dry

The exhibition and associated programme are supported by and part of HELLO AGAIN, HACKNEY, the borough’s cultural reopening initiative. Special thanks to The Fenton Arts Trust and Asahi Super Dry for their support and sponsorship.