About this Event
Taking inspiration from the artistic and poetic practice of Li Yuan-Chia (1929–1994), the workshop centres the concept of the “Cosmagnetic”—a way of creating open, participatory contexts where meaning emerges collectively. Together, we will read selected poems from Monograph Li Yuan-Chia: Tell Me What Is Not Yet Said, alongside materials from the African-Caribbean, Asian & African Art in Britain Archive at Chelsea College of Arts. These readings open space to reflect on language, diasporic memory, and the role of participation in our thinking. Using prompts drawn from the readings, we will write words together that gradually form a collective poem. This process unfolds alongside shared sips of pu-er tea, allowing rhythm, pause, and attention to shape the writing.
The workshop also draws on Li’s Cosmagnetic Multiples, first presented at Camden Art Centre in 2001, where visitors were invited to continually place and rearrange elements of the work. This gesture challenged fixed authorship and embraced the “messiness” of art-making as a shared process.[1] Li’s wider practice extended this ethos beyond the gallery. Through organising the LYC Museum & Art Gallery (1972–1983), he invited over 300 artists to exhibit, write, and perform in the small village of Banks in Cumbria. For him, making art could begin with an open invitation and friendships.[2]
We continue in that spirit, to read, write, make friends and think together and let participation itself become the work. No prior writing experience is needed.
This event is kindly supported by TrAIN and the Art Fund.
Location: Green Room (Block B), Chelsea College of Arts, SW1P 4JU.
Date: 5:30-7pm, 27 May 2026
ABOUT
The African-Caribbean, Asian & African Art In Britain Archive contains a wide range of material documenting the work of contemporary artists practicing in Britain and of African-Caribbean, Asian and African descent. The collection was established in 1985 by Liz Ward and has links with the Institute of International Visual Arts (Iniva), the Diversity Art Forum (previously the African and Asian Visual Artists Archive) at the University of East London, and Panchayat, University of Westminster.
CONTRIBUTOR BIO
Jessica Wan Ka Po is a curator and writer working to create culturally hybrid spaces that platform diasporic and transnational narratives. Jessica is currently an associate fellow of the Research Centre for Transnational Art, Identity and Nation (TrAIN) and an associate lecturer at the Chelsea College of Arts, UAL and Goldsmiths, University of London. She has produced projects with institutions including iniva and Delfina Foundation.
FOOTNOTE
[1] Institute of International Visual Arts (Iniva), Li Yuan-Chia: Tell Me What Is Not Yet Said, 2001.
[2] Kettle's Yard, “Who was Li Yuan-Chia?”
Image credit: Iniva’s monograph of Li Yuan Chia, tell me what is not yet said (2001), taken by Jessica Wan.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Chelsea College of Arts, 16 John Islip Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
