English as a Second Language, curated by Shonagh Marshall, presented a site-responsive new commission of photography by Hanna Moon and Joyce Ng. Born in South Korea and Hong Kong respectively, and now based in London, the artists explored contested notions of identity and beauty.

Captured at night, Hanna Moon’s protagonists Heejin and Moffy hijacked the Somerset House lightwells and took over prominent public spaces, dramatically challenging the neoclassical building’s setting and history. Meanwhile, Joyce Ng engaged with characters cast solely from the Somerset House community, drawing inspiration from the renowned sixteenth century Chinese novel Journey to the West.

Unfolding across three rooms, the exhibition design was developed and realised with creative design practice Studio Veronica Ditting.