Making space for conversation and creative exchange, Paci & Glynn’s Self Help Show toured as a residency to Poesia Presente Lab in Monza, Italy in May 2023, based on exhibitions with live presentations and workshops at The Turner House in Penarth, March 2023 and Oriel Canfas, Cardiff in May 2022.

Project website: www.selfhelpisland.com

The show asks where to seek help in challenging times, reflecting upon themes of loss, isolation and how to read, taking a sideways look at some pros and cons of self-help books. 

An illustrated script follows a pair of characters shipwrecked on a strange island, based partly on Shakespeare's The Tempest, accompanied by poems and live music.

Aiuto! SELF HELP SHOW
L'illustratore Chris Glynn e il poeta Luca Paci espongono la loro mostra itinerante fatta di testi e immagini, manipolazioni di libri e musica. Due personaggi naufragati su un'isola incrociano figure tratte dall'opera da La Tempesta di Shakespeare ed i loro stessi sogni da svegli. La rappresentazione rispecchia la situazione degli ultimi tre anni lanciando uno sguardo obliquo e surrealista ai pro e ai contro dell’industria e della cultura dell'auto-aiuto.

The show launched at Oriel Canfas, Cardiff in May 2022 with an Antemasque performed by RM Parry & Son and Ivor Davies filmed by Steffan Szczelkun (you can watch it here) For our opening at Turner House we were joined by Mary-Anne Roberts and Domestic Violins String Band.

“It’s an education just walking through.”
- Chris Griffin, visual artist

”I LOVE this space. The beginning of a conversation that has to be had. Objects, memory, living literature. Thank you!”
- Dick Johns, actor

“Great happening event. Every town needs one.”
– Inga Burrows, senior lecturer in film, USW

”…an incredible depiction of the troubles of lockdown and the effect it had on us all. But also a reminder of how important it is to keep going and to find familiarity and connection in the people and places around us.”
- Katherine Peach, Penarth View

“thank you again for providing such a wonderful opportunity for my students to see your show. One of them told me afterwards that it was the most fun they’ve ever had in a gallery!”
- Prof. Meredith Gattis, Cardiff University

Review of Self Help Show by Megan Farr: Wales Arts Review
Page on Arts Council Wales website.

See also: Hadron Press

Photos of Chris Glynn as self-help guru and Self Help Show events: David Sinden