two plus two, five times five
two plus two, five times five
five times five explores the invisible networks that connect London's creative community through the simple act of invitation. Starting with five artists who each invite one artist, who invites another, the exhibition traces these connections to reveal how practices, communities, and ideas flow through our creative ecosystem. Based on the original concept behind two-plus-two; five times five extends this invitation model, following coat's manifesto of developing creative communities through in-person exhibitions.
About TWO-PLUS-TWO
TWO-PLUS-TWO is an initiative set up by TWO Acme Glassyard studio holders - painter Lee Johnson and sculptor Poppy Whatmore. TWO-PLUS-TWO began as a programme of TWO-person exhibitions (opening on the first Wednesday of every other month) in the Acme Glassyard Studios entrance foyer. The bi-monthly capsule exhibition format was a powerful way for Acme Glassyard artists to bring their work to the attention of their fellow studio holders in an inclusive yet experimental way - a testbed positioned halfway between the studio and gallery space. The format has now expanded to invite guest curators to propose group exhibitions with the same ethos of expanding networks, sharing and exchanging ideas. Guest curators are encouraged to participate in a ‘takeover’ of the TWO-PLUS-TWO Instagram account to further explore themes in their collaboration and bring new audiences to both artists and the project space. TWO-PLUS-TWO sees each exhibition as a starting point, not an end-point: a locus for interactivity, exchange and relationship-building.
Below is all the details and information for the show, any further Q’s please drop Verity an email at info@coatcollaborative.com
Key Information:
We hope the invitations will all be sent and confirmed by the start of February 2026 so we have time to promote the show poster!
Work drop off / install: Monday 2nd March times to be confirmed (likely morning / mid-day)
Opening night: Wednesday 4th March 6-8pm
Show: open by appointment 4th - 29th March 2026
Finessage tea and cake afternoon: Sunday 29th March 1 - 3pm
Deinstall / work collection: Deinstall from 3pm Sunday 29th March
Invitation guidelines:
You must confirm with Verity @ coat your place before forwarding your invitation, this is so we can keep track of who is in the show :)
Each artist is to invite one London based artist: this can be someone you know, someone whose work resonates with you, someone you’ve wanted to collaborate with, really take this invitation how you please.
The final five artists invited will complete the network at twenty-five participants and will not need to invite additional artists.
Please do not share the invitation publicly, there will be an exhibition poster made for the show.
Work guidelines:
2D work must be 30 x 30cm or smaller, if you have something outside this size please email to discuss.
There is no specific theme, each artist can bring what they choose but please avoid anything that might be considered offensive.
The exhibition will be installed salon style.
The venue has limited floor space so please email to discuss any 3D works.
Work must be ready for install, anything that is unusual please make sure it has correct fixings etc.
