The Royal College of Art and associated Fitzrovia galleries are delighted to announce the collaborative

exhibition With Fists, It Kicks, It Bites. The exhibition by the 2020 graduating students of the RCA MA Photography

course, will be divided across the physical gallery spaces of Edel Assanti, TJ Boulting and Webber Gallery,

as well as the beautiful and historical location of The Fitzrovia Chapel. Coming together to support the emerging

generation of artists, the galleries are thrilled to be able to present to the public the exciting, assertive and

experimental work currently made.

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Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the RCA had to cancel its physical degree shows and move them to

an online presentation. The degree show is not only the opportunity to bring together the culmination of two

year’s study and practice, but a chance for students to work together as they transit from students to the outside

world. The galleries have recognised how vital the physical degree show is on many levels and have collaborated

to stage an exhibition across their spaces for the graduating Photography students. The galleries have previously

worked with or represent RCA Photography alumni, in particular TJ Boulting with Dominic Hawgood and

Edel Assanti with Noémie Goudal, which is how the conversation on how to help this year’s RCA graduates first

emerged and developed.

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The title ‘with fists, it kicks, it bites’ is an Epigram from Greek mythology, describing how laypersons

were chased away from the Eleusinian Mysteries / initiation rituals held for Demeter and Persephone. An abstract

title, a mythical phrase, something adamant and defiant to continue moving forward with disobedience.

Holding the rhythmic quality and nature of moving fast and without control, akin to the recent events that have

unfolded before us.

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Rut Blees Luxemburg, Tutor in Photography: “The students’ work introduces us to an expanded practice

of photography by celebrating the materiality and physicality of the image. The work of this new generation

emphasises the critical and experimental engagement with photography as well as the importance of visual pleasure.”

Charlie Fellowes, Director Edel Assanti: “Jodie Carey, Gordon Cheung and Noémie Goudal are all alumni

of the RCA and have played an integral role in the development of Edel Assanti’s programme since we opened in

2010. In an increasingly difficult moment for the art world as a whole, but particularly for graduate artists, we

are pleased to be able to offer a small gesture of support towards their development.”

Fiona Rogers, Director of Webber Gallery: “Over the last 6 years, Webber Gallery has championed

emerging artists and celebrated the diversity of the photographic medium. We are excited to be collaborating

with our Fitzrovia neighbours, and be able to offer our support and a home for these innovative works, during

such an unprecedented and difficult time for international artists.”

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Hannah Watson, Director of TJ Boulting and Chair of The Fitzrovia Chapel: “Art schools are the life force

of the creative world and produce the next generation of artists. It is imperative that we support them. Whilst in

the short term we accelerate towards and embrace all things online, showing the graduates’ work in a physical

space feels like a hugely positive achievement for all of us.”