The group exhibition Speaking Volumes seeks to challenge the norms within contemporary art

The group exhibition Speaking Volumes brings to light six unique artistic practices from the USA, UK and Sweden. Their distinct visual languages each reveal different ways of experiencing the world, and our shared experience of being human. Participating artists are Nicole Storm (USA), Monica Valentine (USA), Alan Faulds (UK), Mawuena Kattah (UK), Mattias Johansson (SVE) and David Cheung (SVE). Press preview 11 September at 11 AM.

When something “speaks volumes” it communicates powerfully without needing many words. What is said often goes beneath and beyond verbal language. It becomes spatial – it could be a feeling, an impression or an energy in the room. In bypassing rigid definitions, explanations and categorisations the artists invite us to celebrate plurality, fluidity and nuance.

"Speaking Volumes disrupts the well-established norm of what artistic quality means and who can achieve it. The exhibition provides a platform for six individuals who are artists in the truest of senses, and simultaneously shines a light on the ableist structures and systems that most of us are working within and consciously or subconsciously uphold”, says the exhibition’s curator Lucy Smalley at Malmö Konsthall.

The exhibition runs from 13 September 2025 to 18 January 2026.

Supported studios

One aspect that unites these artists is their access to supported studios — communities that enable artists with disabilities to develop their singular creative practices and establish themselves in the contemporary art world. Malmö Konsthall has led efforts to establish a supported studio in Skåne, and in September – a few weeks after the exhibition opening – the new studio will open its doors in Malmö.

With Speaking Volumes, Malmö Konsthall aims to not only showcase the work of six compelling artists but also to provide space for critical conversations surrounding access and inclusion within contemporary art. The exhibition is a continuation of Malmö Konsthall’s history of working with artists with disabilities and is produced with the intention to forge a path towards a more representative art scene.

The artists work with a wide variety of materials and techniques ranging from ceramics to installation, drawing to performance. They use their abilities and senses in different ways; artist Monica Valentine — whose main artistic practice consists of shimmering, tactile sculptures covered in tiny beads and sequins — is blind and relates to colours through her other senses. One of the works in the exhibition — a 20-meter-wide drawing in black ink — was created entirely at Malmö Konsthall, where artist David Cheung had a studio space since November. It is a detailed example of worldbuilding, drawing inspiration from sci-fi, the Middle Ages, mythology, and the future.

“I’ve spent much of the past six months working on this drawing – you could say my life is reflected in it. The inspiration comes from games, film, travel, and architecture. I want visitors to stand in front of my drawing for a long time and study it, to have fun while looking at it. Many have said they notice something new every time, that it’s as if my drawing is alive,” says Cheung.

Focus on Accessible Programme

During the exhibition period, Malmö Konsthall will offer guided tours with sign language interpretation and visual description, as well as tactile tours with a stronger focus on the senses. This autumn’s main event will be the seminar weekend SHIFT – Culture Beyond the Norm, taking place November 7–9, featuring talks, workshops, film and music.

The exhibition program is presented in collaboration with Visit Skåne.

“Malmö Konsthall is at the forefront of work on accessibility and equitable creative practices. The collaboration should be understood as an important part of Visit Skåne’s commitment to socially sustainable destination development. Visit Skåne always aims to promote inclusion and increased access for all tourists, regardless of ability”, says Max Granström, CEO of Visit Skåne.