Iterum Felix – Happy Again: Curiosities for the Future

by Ryan Callanan,

1 - 31 May 2026

 

Iterum Felix – Happy Again is an exhibition and event by UK visual artist Ryan Callanan.

The exhibition explores how old, unloved and unseen personal items can be reborn and brought back to life by the artist’s own hand. Rooted in ideas of transformation and renewal, the project invites a shift in how we value the objects we often overlook or discard.

We invite the public to bring an item into the gallery, where the artist will reimagine it by ‘converting’ it into a unique piece of art. Through processes of painting, modification and the application of his distinctive visual language, each object is given a new identity while still retaining a sense of its original character and history.

This exchange between artist and audience forms a central part of the exhibition, creating a collection of works that are both personal and collective. Each transformed piece carries its own story, reworked into something to be seen, appreciated and enjoyed once again.

Leave your object with us and return to collect it once it is ready, renewed and waiting for you to love again.

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It is a second chance of happiness .
Turning the unloved into loved again.

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Ryan Callanan, also known as RYCA, is a British artist recognised for his distinctive use of popular culture imagery, particularly the Smiley motif rooted in Acid House culture. With a background in 3D design, modelmaking and traditional sign writing, his practice spans sculpture, print and installation. His work reimagines familiar symbols with humour and craftsmanship, while his recent focus explores the transformation of found and donated objects.