MA students from the School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies present ‘Call it Love’.
Love is fluid, messy, and often political. This exhibition rethinks the narratives we inherit—beyond romance, beyond tradition—to explore love in all its complexity. From chosen families to radical acts of care, this exhibition showcases contemporary artists and archival materials that challenge the limits of intimacy and connection.
Inspired by Charan Singh’s “They Called it Love, But Was it Love?”, the exhibition highlights love’s contradictions: it can be joyful yet painful, intimate yet collective. What happens when we reclaim tenderness as strength? When love becomes an act of defiance against a world that tells us to disconnect?
In a time of growing isolation, ‘Call it Love’ reminds us that reaching out—to ourselves, to others—isn’t just personal, it’s radical. What do you call love? Step inside and decide.
Featuring the artworks of Anna Maria Maiolino, Marina Abramović, Virginia Chihota, Chloe Jones, Charan Singh, Sola Oluode, and Daisy Blower.
Call it Love is curated by MA Curating and MA Museums and Heritage students: Lauren Wainwright, Scarlett Angove, Yu Li, Carla Reboud, Vendija Zile, and Freeha Hashmi.
A copy of the exhibition catalogue can be downloaded here.
This exhibition is kindly supported by NES-Solutions, Colchester
Image: Charan Singh. Still from the film, They Called it Love, But Was it Love? Courtesy of the artist.
