Join the artists of Coconut Shy for an artist-led tour and discussion reflecting on the exhibition and their shared process

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.

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 nearly 40 home-grown artists working in a verity of mediums and practices.

Meet the artists

Roxanne Bennett

Caitlin Chaldecott

Martha Dean

Amy Hamilton

Anya Isaacs

Finola Kinloch

Charlotte White

Katie Wyld

What 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.

Description supplied by the event organiser.