We are proud to announce the opening of “Anyone Can Be the President," an exhibition by London-based artists Victoria Ruiz and Helena Cebrian.

Victoria Ruiz, 25, born in Caracas, Venezuela, and Helena Cebrian, 24, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are two multidisciplinary artists who met while studying at Central Saint Martins in London. They instantly connected over their shared Latin American background. Since 2020, the artists have collaborated on several projects, bringing their unique perspectives to various artistic endeavors. In their new project, "Anyone Can Be the President," Ruiz and Cebrian spread a message of hope and revolution.

This two-part exhibition explores the symbolism of the presidential sash. A sash is a decorative ribbon that is a significant part of Revolutionary history, with potent layers of symbolism used for identification and expression. The series considers new possibilities for political representation in Latin America, embodying a carnivalesque function and temporarily overturning established modes of behavior.

The exhibition features the first edition of the photographic series with citizens wearing the Brazilian Presidential Sash, deconstructing its traditional associations and expressing a radical political statement through attire. The exhibition will feature "The Body of Politics," an installation composed of presidential sashes from various Latin American countries. This wearable sculpture is activated through performance, allowing the wearer to embody and assert their role in the broader political sphere. The piece explores how dress can conceal political identity under suppression, highlighting the deep connection between clothing and political expression.

The exhibition delves into the historical and symbolic significance of the presidential sash as a symbol of revolution and political affiliation. It highlights how political clothing, such as the sash, has been used throughout history to express identity and allegiance. "Anyone Can Be the President," explores the role of symbolic clothing in political expression. The exhibition reveals how clothing subtly challenges political norms rooted in everyday life and folk customs. It showcases how clothing's adaptable symbolism enables diverse groups to assert their identities and participate in the body politic.