HOSSEI | ESSSENSSSE
May 23, 2026 to July 26, 2026 | Main Gallery
Image: HOSSEI, ESSSENSSSE, 2023. Performer Lauren Booker. Dimensions variable. Photography by Jacquie Manning.
About
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is pleased to present ESSSENSSSE, a joyful work about healing and new beginnings by acclaimed contemporary artist HOSSEI (NSW), guest curated by Tesha Malott.
ESSSENSSSE began when HOSSEI became fascinated by the sand dollar sea creatures— their shape, features, and how in mediaeval times it was truly believed that sand dollars were mermaid currency. When looking at the sand dollar, HOSSEI realised that if you were to remove the physical characteristics of a human body, you would be left with a mouth and an anus, just like the sand dollar. It is this idea that compelled HOSSEI to make the sand dollar an emblem of the show. An entry point and an exit, not just with food, but in the sense of discerning which energies come through and nourish the insides, and which are let out. ESSSENSSSE is about letting go and being one with the spirit, and embracing its purity and vulnerability.
ESSSENSSSE is an aquatic ecosystem that explores the tenacity of the human spirit, stripping away corporeal human qualities and revealing what’s underneath. ESSSENSSSE is the third instalment to what HOSSEI calls his “sister shows,” O, presented at UTS Gallery & Art Collection (NSW) in 2023, and later THUNDERBLOOM at West Space (VIC) in 2023. Where O focused on the physical body, being up in the air and in transit, and THUNDERBLOOM looked at the human psyche, the weather in the mind, a stormy night – ESSSENSSSE is the next morning, the BODY, MIND, SPIRIT after a big night, looking at the sea for new beginnings.
A Verge Gallery exhibition, touring in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW, supported by the University of Sydney and proudly funded by the NSW Government. Verge Gallery is supported by the University of Sydney Union.
Audio descriptions for the blind and low-vision community have been developed for ESSSENSSSE by Sarah Empey and Anthia Balis, in collaboration with HOSSEI. During the exhibition, these can be accessed via a QR code located at the exhibition entrance. Wagga Wagga Art Gallery encourages patrons to bring their own headphones.
Audio Descriptions
Audio descriptions for the blind and low-vision community have been developed for ESSSENSSSE by Sarah Empey and Anthia Balis, in collaboration with HOSSEI. These can be accessed via a QR code located at WWAG reception and in the gallery archway. WWAG encourages patrons to bring their own headphones.
Exhibition Opening Event
Saturday 23 May | 4pm - 6pm
You are warmly invited to the opening of our Winter Exhibitions Season Launch. All are welcome. Event details and booking link will be shared directly with our mailing list - sign up to receive your invitation. You can also book here.
Read the related essay for ESSSENSSSE by Emma Finneran below.
It all makes so much SSSENSSSE (PDF, 245.9 KB)
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