Here Comes the Sun: A Reflection on Design, Community and Collaboration

When I began planning Here Comes the Sun, my debut exhibition at the Fairhurst Gallery, I envisioned it as a showcase of my art—mycelium-grown sculptures, minimalist paintings, and digital studies. But as the show unfolded, it became clear that the art was just one ingredient in a much larger experience.

This wasn’t simply an art exhibition; it became a living, breathing environment. It celebrated connection, community, and the interplay of thoughtful design and collaboration. Each element—from the design of the space to the coffee served—worked together to create an immersive and holistic experience.

Designing a Space That Lives

You can plan an exhibition meticulously, but only when you physically inhabit the space do you see what it truly needs. At its core, the show evolved into a sensory experience, rooted in spatial and experiential design.

Drawing on biophilic principles and feng shui, I worked to create a harmonious environment that felt like a sanctuary. Furniture from Ligne Roset and TAKT brought warmth and functionality, while Tala’s lighting adapted seamlessly to the flow of the day. During the evenings, the lighting created an inviting mood for reflective gatherings like Talk Club. By day, it brightened the room for hands-on activities, such as the collage workshop hosted with G . F Smith.

Briiv, with its innovative air purifier, elevated the atmosphere by subtly enhancing air quality, aligning perfectly with the show’s theme of biophilic design. The curated environment went beyond aesthetics; it embodied the values of sustainability, mindfulness, and connection.

A Community Living Room

The gallery quickly transformed into a living room—a space for people to connect and unwind. Visitors would wander in, drawn by music spilling onto the street, and stay for coffee brewed with Assembly Coffee’s beans. What started as a moment of curiosity often turned into conversations, quiet reflection, or time spent flipping through my record collection and playing my favorite tracks on the Rega turntable.

Couples found comfort on the Ligne Roset Togo sofa, nestled among curated books. One family let their young son choose and play records, while some people just wanted to pop in for a chat. These interactions made the gallery feel alive, less like a traditional exhibition and more like a shared space.

Moments That Defined the Show

While there were planned highlights—such as the unveiling of my mycelium and hemp-grown sculptures—some of the most meaningful moments were spontaneous. Visitors were fascinated by the sculptures, hesitant to touch the unfamiliar material but captivated by its organic textures. One visitor likened it to Brie, which became a recurring joke.

Equally surprising was how objects like my dad’s collection of rocks, arranged in a Hasami porcelain bowl, found new life when moved to the window display. The interplay of sunlight, water, and natural textures transformed these simple stones into a quiet centerpiece.

Fujifilm Instax photos also became a unique element of the exhibition. Guests were invited to have their portraits taken, and the resulting photos were displayed on a vintage perspex-topped table. This spontaneous documentation captured the energy and faces of those who contributed to the show’s character.

Collaborations at the Core

The partnerships embedded in the exhibition were far from traditional sponsorships—they were integral to the experience. Every element served a dual purpose: it was functional and seamlessly wove into the story of the space.

GF Smith’s paper was used for all the exhibition’s printed materials, and their gifted paper inspired the intimate collage workshop held at the TAKT table. Assembly Coffee became a conversational catalyst, as cups of freshly brewed coffee set the stage for meaningful interactions.

Briiv’s air purifier quietly enhanced the atmosphere, underscoring the show’s commitment to sustainability. Tala’s lighting created an ambiance, while the Rega turntable added depth to the soundscape, connecting visitors through music. Each partnership reflected shared values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and thoughtful design, aligning perfectly with Samu Studio's ethos.

Talk Club: Connection Through Conversation

The gallery also hosted Talk Club evenings, where groups of men came together over kombucha, beer, and pizza to share their experiences. These gatherings reminded me how essential spaces for open dialogue are and reinforced the importance of holding space for connection and support.

A Full-Circle Moment

Launched on the Summer Solstice, Here Comes the Sun symbolized renewal and growth. For me, it brought together years of hosting, curating, and collaborating into one cohesive experience. It was a celebration of design, community, and the power of partnerships to create something larger than the sum of its parts.

Looking back, the show wasn’t just about showcasing art—it was about creating an environment where people could share, reflect, and connect. The exhibition blurred the lines between art, design, and experience, proving that thoughtful collaboration can transform a space into something truly memorable.

For ten days, the gallery became a sanctuary, a community living room, and a stage for creativity and connection. In many ways, the show itself was my ultimate artwork.

Sam