May 2024 Nightshift was the fourth exhibition organized by the GSA Gallery Society, and Ellis Bairstow, along with his team, took an innovative approach to reimagine the traditional exhibition format. Departing from the usual gallery hours, the team conceptualized a show that was only open during the night, creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors. This nighttime concept was not just a novelty but was deeply integrated into the theme and curation of the exhibition.
The curatorial focus for Nightshift revolved around works that challenged the norms of their specific media, particularly in how they were displayed to the audience. Artists were encouraged to think creatively about how light would affect their pieces in a nocturnal setting, pushing the boundaries of traditional presentation methods. Some artists played with the way their work interacted with light, while others took their pieces outside of conventional frames or display formats, making the exhibition a dynamic exploration of non-traditional art presentation.
Adding to the immersive nature of the show, Nightshift featured a live performance by Tom Gibson and Agnes Little, who lived inside the gallery space for the entire duration of the exhibition. This performative element further blurred the lines between art and life, reinforcing the exhibition's goal of challenging expectations and norms. The show was a testament to the GSA Gallery Society's commitment to experimentation and pushing the boundaries of the gallery experience.