Bethnal Green’s Corner Space Transforms Into a Punk-Inspired Haven of Resistance and Reclamation
This March, East London’s art scene is about to get a powerful jolt of raw energy and unapologetic defiance. Aida Wilde, the renowned printmaker and educator, is staging her most personal and politically charged exhibition yet—OTHER Pt.1 Survival—at Corner Space on Bethnal Green Road from 6–9 March 2025. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, coinciding with International Women’s Day and serving up a hefty slice of feminist rebellion with a sharp, DIY punk edge.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill exhibition. Think radical takeover. Think raw emotion wrapped in bold fabric and fierce storytelling. Aida Wilde, known for her vibrant screen prints splashed across East London’s urban landscape, returns to her roots with a show that’s as much a homecoming as it is a cultural confrontation. And it’s all happening just steps from where her creative journey began—right in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Power of “Other”: Survival, Identity, and Belonging
The exhibition’s title, OTHER Pt.1 Survival, isn’t just catchy—it’s a gut-punch of lived experience. Inspired by Wilde’s personal history as a political asylum seeker fleeing the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, this show digs deep into the uncomfortable, often ignored narratives of displacement and survival.
Here’s the kicker: it all stems from that infuriating tick box on forms—the cold, impersonal “Other” that reduces lived experiences into categories. For Wilde, this isn’t just about bureaucratic red tape—it’s about identity purgatory, the cultural limbo that many immigrants know all too well.
The exhibition features over 30 hand-crafted textile banners—each one a manifesto, a rallying cry, or a quiet reflection. They weave together stories of belonging, cultural commentary, and personal survival, all stitched with Wilde’s signature sharp wit and activist heart. Every banner is a conversation starter. Every thread, a reminder of resilience.
A Radical Space for Collective Expression
This isn’t just Aida Wilde’s solo spotlight—it’s part of a larger creative uprising. Alongside Wilde’s exhibition, Nasty Gallery’s boundary-breaking programme, “& Stories of Others”, will take over the space for a three-day residency. This isn’t just an art show; it’s a fully immersive, community-powered happening.
Artists like Paige Megan Hawley, CW Stubbs, Apparan, Lior Hatt, and Boa Swindler will bring their own stories of being “the Other” to life through a series of workshops, performances, and events. Expect:
- Artist surgeries for one-on-one creative consultations
- Life drawing workshops for those ready to get sketching
- Spoken word performances that cut straight to the heart
- Mental health sessions tackling resilience and self-care
It’s a celebration of voices that society often sidelines, amplifying stories of struggle, survival, and—most importantly—community.
Why This Exhibition Matters Now
Let’s face it—London’s creative scene thrives on diversity. Yet, stories of displacement, survival, and belonging often get buried under the latest trends and Instagrammable moments. OTHER Pt.1 Survival throws those stories into the spotlight with unapologetic clarity.
This exhibition doesn’t just acknowledge the challenges faced by immigrants, women, and creatives—it confronts them head-on. It’s a space for reflection but also rebellion. Expect a rush of raw energy, bold colours, and a spirit of defiance that’s as East London as it gets.
In a world that still forces many to tick that “Other” box, Wilde’s work reminds us that being othered doesn’t mean being invisible. It means claiming space—and doing it loud and proud.
When, Where, and Why You Can’t Miss It
If you’re looking for art that bites back and leaves you thinking long after you’ve left, this is it. Between Wilde’s fearless exploration of identity and Nasty Gallery’s dynamic, interactive events, OTHER Pt.1 Survival promises an unforgettable dive into the heart of resilience and creative defiance.
📅 Dates: 6 – 9 March 2025
🕛 Time: 12 PM – 8 PM (Opening night on 6 March from 6 – 8 PM)
📍 Location: Corner Space, 123 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 7DG
🌐 tachegallery.com
Get ready for four days of rebellion, reflection, and raw creativity—just in time for International Women’s Day. You’ll leave inspired, moved, and maybe just a little more defiant.
