Publication Launch: Rise and Fall of a Temple

An illustrated artist’s book, contributions from Sarah Butler, James Drysdale-Miller, Kimberly Harris, Erika Hughes, Christeen Skinner. Designed by Modern Activity and published by Chelsea Space. Visual materials and plans and sketches are interspersed with texts covering topics such as financial astrology, the architecture and daily life of ancient Rome and the script for Sajovic’s artist’s film, made during her UAL Research Fellowship at the British School at Rome.

This publication has been developed alongside a range of programming taking place at Chelsea College of Arts, UAL for the duration of the exhibition, including a symposium and performance.

In the gallery:
The exhibition Rise and Fall of a Temple at Chelsea Space explores the symbolic "pillars" of a temple that serve as a metaphor for ideology itself, with columns representing the foundational structures of Roman imperial power that continue to shape and uphold contemporary systems and societal ideologies.

Through the work on display, a film and a series of participatory events, a dynamic framework for exchange develops. The temple becomes a stage for rethinking dominant narratives, welcoming audiences to participate in its (de)construction - as Eva invites us to consider how the ruins of empire might be reimagined as tools for empathy, renewal, and collective dialogue.

This event is free and open to all. Please contact our team if you have any specific access requirements: publicprogramme@arts.ac.uk

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Image Credit: Drawing for performance, 2026, Eva Sajovic