Silvia Ziranek Presents BY A THREAD Incorporating UNSUNG SONGS at MOCA London

Key Takeaways

• Mobile B.A.T. spans over 10 ft, dominating MOCA’s gallery space
• UNSUNG SONGS publication released alongside exhibition, designed by Herman Lelie
• Tatty Devine creates wearable art; Betterbadges produce limited‑edition badges
• Exhibition tours to Edinburgh’s House of Smalls on International Day for Violence‑against‑Women

Pulse Analysis

Silvia Ziranek, a veteran of international performance art, returns to London with BY A THREAD incorporating UNSUNG SONGS at MOCA. The project features a 10‑foot mobile titled B.A.T., suspended from the ceiling and woven from everyday textiles, picture frames and carpet tiles. By embedding poetry directly into fabric panels, Ziranek blurs the line between sculpture and spoken word, creating an immersive environment that forces viewers to confront the realities of physical and emotional abuse. The exhibition runs from 31 May to 5 July 2026, anchoring MOCA’s commitment to socially engaged art.

UNSUNG SONGS, a companion publication designed by Dutch graphic artist Herman Lelie, compiles Ziranek’s spoken‑word pieces and is distributed alongside the installation, extending the exhibition’s reach beyond the gallery walls. Fashion label Tatty Devine contributes wearable pieces that echo the textile motifs, while Betterbadges supplies limited‑edition badges, turning the project into a multi‑channel experience. This blend of visual, literary and fashion elements exemplifies a growing trend in contemporary art to monetize narrative content through merchandise, offering new revenue streams for artists and institutions alike.

The exhibition’s scheduled move to The House of Smalls in Edinburgh on 25 November aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, positioning the work within a global advocacy calendar. Such timing attracts corporate sponsors and NGOs focused on gender equity, creating partnership opportunities for MOCA and its collaborators. Moreover, the cross‑disciplinary format appeals to younger, experience‑seeking audiences, driving ticket sales and expanding the institution’s donor base. As cultural venues increasingly prioritize impact‑driven programming, Ziranek’s project demonstrates how art can generate both social dialogue and measurable financial benefit.