Independent curator, facilitator, and cultural consultant Becca Pelly-Fry is the curator of Platform 2025.
Becca Pelly-Fry’s work stands at the intersection of contemporary art, healing practices and ecology. The section, entitled Today for you, tomorrow for me, takes inspiration from the practice of ‘ayni’, common among the Q’ero people of Peru, which proposes a reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world as a way of keeping in balance with the land, other beings and each other.
Drawing from Indigenous knowledge which has found resonance in Western science, Platform will
showcase the complex interwoven ecosystems, mycelial networks and interspecies communication that make up the natural world, suggesting an interconnectedness between all living things, and recognising the exchanges of energy that permeate the world. With a focus on ecofeminism, mythology, ancient stories, and folklore, Today for you, tomorrow for me will attempt to re-wild visitors’ imaginations, returning them to a more reciprocal relationship with nature.
We managed to ask Pelly-Fry some questions about her art life in Folkestone and what we can expect at Platform 2025 at London Art Fair.
1 It’s been a long time since we last spoke – what have you been up to? How is Folkestone?
Hi Mark! Yes, quite a bit has happened since I last saw you… My husband and I got sick of the intensity of London and moved to Folkestone in summer 2023. We were drawn to it because of the cultural regeneration that’s happened over the past 20 years – it has a really vibrant community, and it’s so lovely living by the sea. I was part of a trio of curators/producers who ran a new festival in the town in September, Open Art Folke, and the three of us are now putting together the Fringe programme which runs alongside the Folkestone Triennial (19th July – 19th Oct 2025). I have also become co-director of a great little gallery, called SCHOOL, in Folkestone, founded by Michael Hall. I’ve also got a 12-artist exhibition coming up in February at Soho Revue, so still very much one eye on the capital!
2 Initially I thought ayni’ was about global warming living with nature etc but it seems to be more than that (even though that’s super important !) It’s a philosophy – helping you to not only live with nature but other people/s – how do you interpret it?
Well, you’re not wrong – ‘ayni’ is definitely about ways of living with (and as part of) the natural world – but yes, it is also a complete worldview. I spent some time a few years ago learning about the mystical beliefs of the Q’ero people of Peru (supposedly the last remaining decendents of the Inca); ‘ayni’ is a word they use for the daily practice of gratitude. It translates (loosely) to ‘reciprocity’ – the idea of giving before taking, knowing that we are all part of one, interconnected and interdependent, energetic whole. So when they live in a perpetual state of gratitude, they take nothing for granted, generally don’t take more than they need, and respect the sovereignty and spirit life of every part of the world around them (other humans, animals, plant, even rivers and mountains). It’s very beautiful, and I think there’s much that can be learned from that way of being.
3 How did you choose the galleries/artists to work with?
I started with a long list of artists that I would love to bring together, and then researched which galleries might represent them. I wanted a good representation of cultural responses to the theme, from around the world and across backgrounds, which I think we have broadly achieved. The past year has been tough for the commercial art market, so it wasn’t altogther an easy task; I’m so grateful to the galleries and artists that have come on board for their trust in me and my vision for Platform.
4 What can people expect to see from this year’s platform?
Artistic responses to the theme have generally come under three main headings: spirituality, hybridity and human relationships to the natural world. Within spirituality, we find artists like Yelena Popova, Jana Emburey and Poppy Lennox grappling with complex ideas of the metaphysical and mystical, exploring the vastness of the universe and the energy that binds and ignites all living beings.
With hybridity, we have Natalia Janula, Abigail Norris and Paola Estrella exploring interspecies communication and the possibilities that might come from merging identities with other creatures or spirits. And lastly, artists like Tuesday Riddell, Rene Gonzalez and Anne Berg create imagery than de-centres the human experience, creating a more holistic worldview where humans are one element of a complex interplay of creatures, plants and other forms of life.
5 Has learning about ayni changed the way you went about curating Platform?
I learned about ‘ayni’ several years ago, and I think it effected me very deeply to learn about this way of interacting with, and understanding, the living world. It felt so far away from the ways I had learned here in the UK, and at the same time it felt familiar and so natural; as if it was simply a way we had lost long ago. So, in a way, the answer to your question is yes – but I think it’s actually affected everything! I went on from that period of learning to then discover the Japanese practice and philosophy of Reiki, which again is a worldview that situates us as part of an infinite energetic field.
6 With what is happening in the world now – does looking back give you hope, does it give you a new perspective on time?
I’m not sure I understand this question…!
But if it’s about my perspective on time, then I can say that as I get older and I continue to develop my own spiritual practices, my sense of time stretches… Our moment on Earth, in this particular phsyical form/body is so brief, in the grand scheme of things. Time is relative to our bodily, human experience, but actually the quantum/energetic field is eternal, and we are simply a part of that. So, rather than stressing ourselves out to ‘achieve’ or be ‘successful’ in capitalist terms, I think our job is to make small differences – to sense our place in the world, and then act accordingly.
7 Can you tell us about the events program for Platform
I’m really excited about the three events we have lined up – each of them contributes to a sense of the sacred, which is a space I wanted to try and create in the fair. It’s not an easy task in a busy and highly commercialised arena, but I hope these will create small moments for the participants.
First up, on Wed 22nd at 7pm, we have a nature-inspired blessing of the Platform section by artist and nature ceremonialist, Venetia Nevill. She will lead a short ceremony and then invite the audience to participate by leaving a wish, a prayer or an intention at the altar. Afterwards I will lead a tour around the section, to introduce the themes and the artists. MORE
Next, on Thurs 23rd at 3pm in the Auditorium, we have a panel discussion on ecofeminism and art; led by writer and curator, Anna Souter, in discussion with artists Natalia Janula and Zethu Maseko, with Director of Arts Council Collection, Alona Pardo. MORE
Finally, on Saturday 25th at 2pm in the Auditorium, we have a beautiful sound healing session by artist and sound healer, Cherelle Sappleton, inspired by themes of connection and kinship, using gong, voice & crystal singing bowls. MORE
LONDON ART FAIR – 22nd – 26th January 2025, Business Design Centre. londonartfair.co.uk
