In the heart of Southsea on Osbourne Road lies a forgotten gem: the derelict Kimbells ballroom. Once a vibrant social hub, it had long been abandoned, its grandeur faded, and its walls silent. But to British street artist My Dog Sighs, it was a canvas waiting to be reborn. Already renowned for his eye portraits and ‘Everyman’ characters. My Dog Sighs saw an opportunity not just to paint but to create an unforgettable experience.
We Shelter Here Sometimes
His journey is captured in the documentary, ‘We Shelter Here Sometimes‘. Filmed and directed by Paul Gonella of Strong Island Media. The film offers an intimate glimpse into what became two-year endeavor. One that involved the converting of the ballroom to ‘Inside‘. A vast, immersive installation that went on to attract 10,000 visitors over 16 days.
A Vision Beyond the Wall
For My Dog Sighs, street art has always been about more than just paint on a wall. “I really like the idea that I can create a piece of work that fits in with the place that I’m painting”, he explained in an interview with Giulia Riva of Blocal Blog. This approach allows him to engage with the environment, letting the surroundings influence his creations.
Spontaneity and Control
But despite his love for street art’s spontaneity, My Dog Sighs is also someone who loves control. He longed to create something beyond the limitations of a flat wall – something that could engage all the senses. It was a vision that became the foundation for ‘Inside’.
“What if I could control everything… not just what you see on a flat wall in front of you. But what if I could control what you hear when you’re there… or I could create voices and language?”
My Dog Sighs talks to Blocal about his Immersive Installation ‘Inside’
The Beauty of Decay
After years of searching for the perfect space, he stumbled upon the abandoned Kimbells ballroom.
“It had been empty for nearly 40 years… It was huge. It was beautiful. It was decaying… I love the beauty of decay. I love peeling paint. I love rust. I love dust,”
The ballroom’s haunting beauty was the perfect backdrop for his vision. Just the space for the ‘Quiet Little Voices‘ to come to life.
Quiet Little Voices – A World Within a World
The Quiet Little Voices had been quietly developing in the background, occasionally making an appearance. As an artist My Dog Sighs had already been gaining a lot of acclaim and attention for other projects. His eye paintings, Free Art Friday cans and Everyman characters all forming a core part of his practice.
“They’re kind of like the visual language from my eyes and the feel of my cans. All melded together.”
Centre Stage
In Inside, these creatures would take centre stage. Transforming the ballroom into an otherworldly realm that felt both familiar and surreal. More than just sculptures. They represented facets of the human experience. Echoing the emotions and stories My Dog Sighs has always conveyed through his work. By bringing them to life in such an immersive environment. He invited visitors to step into his mind and experience his art from the inside out.
“My Dog Sighs isn’t what you think it is. It’s not me; it’s these Quiet Little Voices… They live in this space… You can step in and begin to explore my head, but through their eyes.”
From Canvas to Sculpture: A New Chapter
We Shelter Here Sometimes documents more than just the creation of art. It follows My Dog Sighs’ evolution as he tackles such a large scale and immersive installation. It’s a venture that expands his artistic repertoire. Something beyond the murals and street art that he’s become so known for. A means to better showcase his creativity and vision.
Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs
However, the path to transforming the ballroom was far from smooth. My Dog Sighs faced a series of challenges. From pandemic lockdowns to financial strains, break-ins, and even a fire. These obstacles tested his resolve but also underscored the resilience and transformative power of art. The documentary captures these trials, presenting an authentic portrayal of an artist determined to defy the odds.
The Power of Art and Community
It makes the project one that is not just about art. It’s about community, connection, and the ability of creativity to uplift and inspire. As My Dog Sighs breathed life back into the forgotten ballroom. He created a space where art and community could coexist, reflecting the human experience in all its complexity. All supported by those Quiet Little Voices.
A Testament to Street Art’s Enduring Impact
As the art world continues to evolve, projects like this highlight the enduring significance of street art. In particular in its capacity to foster connection, reflection and change. With a story that’s as much about overcoming adversity as it is about the transformative power of art. ‘We Shelter Here Sometimes‘ is a must-watch. For art enthusiasts, creatives, and anyone who has ever dreamed of making the impossible a reality.
For those eager to experience this extraordinary project. We Shelter Here Sometimes will be available for download via My Dog Sighs’ official website. The project follows the story of ‘Inside‘, My Dog Sighs immersive exhibition in Portsmouth. With thanks to Giulia Riva from Blocal Blog whose interview with the artist has inspired much of this article.
Related Links
- My Dog Sighs Official Website
- Instagram Site for My Dog Sighs
- We Shelter Here Sometimes Official Trailer
- Interview with My Dog Sighs and Blocal Blog
For more Inspiring City articles you will like, take a look at…
- Inside Exhibition from My Dog Sighs
- My Dog Sighs Interactive Art at Roys Art Fair
- Not a Gallery launch in London with My Dog Sighs
- My Dog Sighs and Curtis Hylton Collaborate on Windmill Hill Mural
- Midge and My Dog Sighs Collaborate on Paste Ups in London
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