Multiple Universe
curated by Assembly Line

Artist-led platform Assembly Line presents Multiple Universe, in partnership with Union Gallery, London, exhibiting bespoke art multiples alongside unique works to ask ‘why make more than one?’ The exhibition, doubling as a functioning shop, examines how the art world interacts with retail and how artists can survive within this market.

Event details

  • 10 March 2023 - 14 April 2023

    10:00-17:00 (GMT)

    Foyer Gallery, UCA Farnham

In Multiple Universe, Assembly Line artists respond to the question of multiplicity in art-making, aiming to re-evaluate the notion of the art multiple and the edition in relation to the proliferation of screen-based media, Web3(1), and the NFT(2). This exhibition questions the future of physical art made to be seen, touched, and used in the world when surrounded by ever-expanding digital spaces. Founded in 2020 by Shane Bradford, Assembly Line aims to introduce a dialogue around the concept of the art multiple in relation to singular pieces. Each artist will show a unique work alongside their 3D editions for Assembly Line.

By showing the works in their original groupings, the exhibition emphasises their plurality whilst purposefully raising awareness of the exhibition as a commercial space in terms of display, taking a fresh look at arts relationship with commerce.

Multiple Universe features work from established artists Ben Cain, Benedikt Hipp, Rose Eken, Kate Street, Shane Bradford, and Amba Sayal-Bennett.

“Assembly Line is run by myself and the other artists, operating mostly through our online ecommerce shop where we sell specially made limited-edition art multiples. It is run as a semi-cooperative, redistributing a proportion of our sales income equally amongst all our contributors.  So, as well as questioning the current status of the art multiple we are exploring alternative ways to sustain a healthy financial eco-system for our network. AL artists retain 45% of their own sales, AL takes 30% and 25% is pooled and dished out as a quarterly dividend to everyone who contributes. This system allows for creative independence, and spreads the net a bit because there’s a chance to make money regardless of whose work is selling at the time. It’s something of an antidote to the boom-and-bust, winner-takes-all attitude that’s common practice in the art world. We also aim to encourage people to become art collectors by extending gallery prices to an accessible level. Mostly we just want to provide exquisite, intelligent, and original artworks for your collection!” 

Shane Bradford, artist and Assembly Line founder