Launch Party: Coconut Shy (FRUITFUL)

Coconut Shy brings together eight 2025 graduates who have been working collaboratively over the last year on a circus-themed exhibition that explores speculative story-telling as a framework for individual practices and collective imagining.This exhibition is part of FRUITFUL, a six week programme of exhibitions by emerging artists in Southampton.Rooted in ‘a space’ arts’ RIPE graduate scheme, delivered in partnership with Southampton Solent University and Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, this celebration of budding talent showcases over 40 home-grown artists working in a variety of mediums and practices.Meet the artists
Roxanne Bennett
Caitlin Chaldecott
Martha Dean
Amy Hamilton
Anya Isaacs
Finola Kinloch
Katie WyldWhat is RIPE?
Established in 2018, the RIPE programme supports graduate artists from Southampton Solent University and Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton to exhibit and engage in artistic exchange and experimentation, forming networks and friendships that will help them sustain a fruitful visual arts practice.The programme has previously been based at Alfred Arcade, the Hidden Wardrobe and the Alfred Arms on Old Northam Road in Southampton, and is now welcomed at God’s House Tower and the Arches Studios.Each year, a new cohort is recruited under a different fruit name. Explore previous RIPE projects from the Bananas, Mangoes, Tomatoes, Peaches, Plums, Pears, Papayas and Coconuts.