History of the Present is an exhibition based around the critically acclaimed work of the same name, History of the Present (2023). This 46-minute experimental opera-film was made collaboratively by myself and Maria Fusco, featuring new compositions by Annea Lockwood, libretto by Maria Fusco and improvisational vocal work by Héloïse Werner.

The solo exhibition encompasses two floors in the new Golden Thread space: History of the Present opera-film is presented in the Upper Gallery, while in the Lower Gallery we are showing a site-specific installation with photo wall mural and sculptures as well as resources and research materials collected by myself and Maria Fusco. This exhibition brings our collaborative work and research to audiences in Northern Ireland for the first time.

The exhibition includes journal materials selected from Golden Thread Gallery’s NIVARLA archive, and ex-display furniture from the building’s prior use as Craftworld.