On this year’s rare 29th of February, Cathar_sis debuted their very first inaugural event, christened ‘the Birth’. Described as an ‘infusion of music, art, audiovisual and imagination’, the night was definitely a first for South London, a unique blend of live art making and incredible dance music set the standard for the experimental events of Peckham.
Goldsmiths students have a reputation for their knack for organising events, a tradition that harks back to the days of the Young British Artists, and Damien Hirst’s Freeze exhibition in 1988, where he showcased the work of fellow Goldsmiths peers. Marion Le Morvan and Emilie Rosnes, the minds behind Cathar_sis, embody this culture of Goldsmiths, working hard to turn their idea into a reality, even down to small details like iridescent stickers of the logo to promote the brand on the backs of students’ phones and laptops.
It certainly felt fitting to have Cathar_sis on the lunar new year. Something about the night felt especially magical and exciting. Enclosed by the curved walls of AMP studios, ‘the birth’ had the perfect venue for its launch. AMP studios is a hidden gem of the area- the under-bridge arches and brick ceiling are definitely reminiscent of Deptford’s Matchstick Piehouse, but it has a modern charm, the twinkling lights and wooden beams of the smoking area create a similar feel to Rye Lanes’ Jumbi. It was the perfect size for the sold out show. The venue’s intimate yet spacious layout perfectly accommodated the crowd from opening to closing, with enough room to dance or mooch around as you pleased.
London locals are accustomed with art exhibitions featuring DJs, but ‘the birth’ was different: on arrival, it became apparent this was more than just an exhibition with music; it was a live art-making spectacle where creativity knew no bounds. Canvases adorned the walls, blank at the beginning of the night but quickly brimming with colour and beauty. Paintbrushes, charcoal and pencils scattered the floors. The night, I might add, was a spotlight entirely directed for women to showcase their talents. And the promised talent did not disappoint, with a diverse curation of artists, from loud nude portraits to trippy shapes and patterns from oil pastels.
The atmospheric environment of the birth was masterfully crafted by DJs MMA and Eclecttica. Blending their Swiss and Italian roots and music influence, attendees were taken on a journey through a hypnotic blend of all genres of techno, from industrial to psytrance. The constant beat was a perfect soundtrack to the ambience of the event, with artists grooving whilst they painted. The sounds of the trains running overhead was also a fun addition to the environment, the buzzes of the tracks layering over the dreamy song selection.
‘the birth’, was not just an evening of entertainment but a feast for the senses and a transformative experience that captivated all who attended. As South London’s newest experimental event series and creative platform, Cathar_sis has undoubtedly carved out a niche for itself in the local arts scene, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating what they have in store next. Marion and Emilie, the creators of Cathar_sis, are certainly not resting after this first event. They already have their next event ‘Being Beauteous’ on the horizon for the Telegraph hill festival in March, gearing up for ‘a celebration of female empowerment with live musicians and zine workshop’.
You can find them on Instagram here.