The Pleasure of Misuse
29th May–13th July 2025
The Royal Society of Sculptors will host a thought-provoking group exhibition titled “The Pleasure of Misuse” from 29 May to 13 July 2025, with a public preview on Thursday, 29 May, 6–8 pm at Dora House, London. Co-curated by Indira Dyussebayeva-Ziyabek and Maria Hinel, this exhibition delves into the comic potential of everyday objects and the psychological release that comes from misusing them.
The show features a diverse international lineup of artists: Glen Baxter, Ingrid Berthon-Moine, Appau Junior Boakye–Yiadom, Abraham Cruzvillegas, CFGNY, Melanie Ebenhoch, Peter Fischli & David Weiss, Gina Fischli, Graham Gussin, Holly Hendry, Ty Locke, Andy Holden, Jean-Luc Moulène, Cornelia Parker, Amalia Pica, Aziza Shadenova, Holly Stevension, and Richard Wentworth.
At the heart of the exhibition is the idea that humor is not merely distraction—it’s reflection. Referencing philosopher Simon Critchley’s insight that “the great virtue of humour is that it is philosophising in action,” the show presents comic reinterpretations of mass-produced items, transforming the familiar into something absurd, enlightening, and deeply human.
The Comedy of the Everyday
“The Pleasure of Misuse” explores the liberating and healing dimensions of humor found in accidental or intentional ‘misuse’ of the mundane. When stripped of their intended function, everyday objects take on absurd, anthropomorphic qualities—inviting viewers to laugh not just at the object, but at themselves. This laughter, the curators argue, offers moments of self-reflection during a time of global unease.
By turning a mop into a sculpture or assembling odd juxtapositions of plastic parts and domestic wares, artists in this show draw attention to the arbitrary nature of the objects that surround us. The misplaced or repurposed item becomes a mirror reflecting our routines, anxieties, and cultural conventions. Many of the works feel like visual jokes, highlighting that humor can be subversive, philosophical, and even radical.
Serious Philosophy in Comic Form
This show aligns itself with thinkers like Ludwig Wittgenstein, who once claimed, “A serious and good philosophical work could be written consisting entirely of jokes.” With that spirit, several pieces operate through linguistic inversion, substituting objects for language or playing on the visual semantics of form and function.
As the viewer moves through the exhibition, the setup is less a static viewing and more an interactive philosophy of perception. The misuse of objects becomes a metaphor for challenging rigid norms, questioning how value, function, and meaning are socially assigned. These artistic gestures open space for disarming conversations, making space for shared joy even in critique.
A Curatorial Partnership Rooted in Cross-Cultural Insight
Curators Dyussebayeva-Ziyabek and Hinel bring an impressive global perspective. Meeting during their art history studies at University College London in 2012, they have since collaborated on numerous exhibitions across disciplines. Dyussebayeva-Ziyabek runs Ainalaiyn Space, a nomadic arts platform promoting interdisciplinary contemporary art and Central Asian voices. Hinel, who previously worked with major contemporary artists at a leading London gallery, focuses her curatorial practice on humor, linguistics, and ecology.
Their combined vision is evident in the layered complexity of the exhibition. Humor here is never superficial—it is investigative, responsive, and occasionally uncomfortable. And yet, by opening up the absurdities of our material world, the show offers a rare moment of lightness and critical intimacy.
Exhibition Details
“The Pleasure of Misuse” runs from 29 May to 13 July 2025 at the Royal Society of Sculptors (Dora House, London SW7 3RA). Opening hours are Thursday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm, or by appointment. For bookings or press inquiries, contact indira[at]ainalaiynspace.com or maria[at]hinelart.com.
Learn more at sculptors.org.uk, mariahinel.com, and ainalaiynspace.com.
