‘The Dyke Archive’, Exhibition by ‘Machina Kollektiv’, London, UK. 2025
‘The Dyke Archive’ was founded by ‘Machina Kollektiv’ in London, UK in 2025. The group exhibition took place in ‘Outhouse Gallery’ in London, UK from 30th May until 8th June. The ‘Machina Kollektiv’ invited artists to submit work to contribute to ‘The Dyke Archive’, an intersectional site for collecting pieces which are cultural expressions of dyke-ness beyond time, space and the constructions of language. The pieces welcomed to be exhibited included a wide range of ephemera from an intimate corner of life or a work of art, such as: a t-shirt, a diary entry and more.
“The focus of exhibiting in archival format was a deliberate choice, a way of subverting the collecting and telling of history, instead we welcome it as a re-telling of our history, rather then pre-existing colonial forms of categorisation in the gallery and musuem.” - ‘Machina Kollektiv’
The ‘Machina Kollektiv’ aimed to create a space to take space up with our bodies, with our ‘personal things’ and spotlighting our stories attached to the objects too. ‘The Dyke Archive’ is more then just a collection of objects, it is a living, breathing testament to the strength of dyke histories and showcasing the interplay of gender, sexuality and importance of community building.
My piece in the exhibition was a ceramic mug with the typography, ‘TRY / ME’, wrapped around the exterior. The ceramic’s artwork and text description was inspired by the following sentiment: “Are you struggling with toxic masculinity in your office? Have an imbecile boyfriend who can’t comprehend hormone fluctuations? Well, look no further than this bold, witty and playful statement mug! Perfect for your morning coffee, late-night wine when your housemates have used all the glasses, or whenever you need a polite way of saying f*ck off and leave me alone - a desk warning in disguise.”
This ceramic mug draws inspiration from the iconic 'Drink Me' and 'Eat Me' labels in Alice in Wonderland, reimagined through a contemporary lens. When creating this piece, I was reflecting on the mounting pressures facing the NHS and the ongoing cuts to essential public services—particularly those supporting mental health, community centers, and social prescriptions. These cuts highlight the growing reliance on medication as a first response, rather than more holistic approaches such as talking therapies, education, or community-based support.
The phrase 'TRY / ME' is open to various interpretations. It can suggest a playful invitation, evoke notions of eroticism, invoking an arguement or even allude to the idea of sampling a drink. Through this, I wanted to explore how the tone and context of a simple phrase can shift its meaning entirely. The mug subtly challenges viewers to consider their immediate reactions to adversity and how, much like with healthcare cuts, we often default to quick fixes without pausing to consider more thoughtful, balanced solutions.
In essence, this piece invites reflection on how we approach challenges—whether in healthcare or life in general—encouraging a more measured, compassionate response to issues that affect us all.
You can purchase a mug here: https://dillymakes.bigcartel.com/product/try-me-mug
Founders: ‘Machina Kollektiv’ London, UK.
‘TRY / ME’ Ceramic Mug in ‘The Dyke Archive’ Opening Night 30th May 2025, London, UK.
‘TRY / ME’ Ceramic Mug in the final exhibition for ‘The Dyke Archive’, London, UK.
Product Shot of ‘TRY / ME’ Ceramic Mug, 2025.
BTS ‘The Dyke Archive’ Opening Night 30th May 2025, London, UK.
BTS ‘The Dyke Archive’ Opening Night 30th May 2025, London, UK.