Britain's What's On Event Guide
The Joy of Fat - Exhibition by Mellissa Monsoon
Mellissa Monsoon’s Bold Ceramic Celebration of Bodies Opens at Fourth Wall Folkestone
This summer, acclaimed artist Mellissa Monsoon presents The Joy of Fat, a powerful exhibition at Fourth Wall Folkestone that celebrates body diversity and challenges stigma. Running throughout August 2025, Monsoon’s latest collection of ceramic works embraces and reclaims the word “fat” as a joyful and unapologetic expression of self-love and acceptance.
Through her distinctive ceramic artistry, Monsoon pays tribute to bodies, inviting audiences to reflect on the beauty of human form beyond conventional standards. The exhibition is an immersive, thought-provoking response to societal attitudes toward body image, encouraging visitors to reconsider their perceptions and embrace inclusivity.
Monsoon’s work is deeply rooted in the history of ceramics, drawing inspiration from ancient fertility figures and traditional sculptural forms that have long celebrated fuller bodies. At the same time, she addresses the ways in which body shaming has evolved throughout history, using clay as a medium to reclaim and challenge these narratives. By merging historical reverence with contemporary critique, Monsoon crafts a visual dialogue that honors and redefines representations of the body.
“The word ‘fat’ has been weaponised for too long,” says Mellissa Monsoon. “This exhibition is about taking back that word and celebrating all bodies as worthy, beautiful, and full of joy. Through clay, I am able to shape, honour, and uplift the forms that exist in the real world.”
This summer, acclaimed artist Mellissa Monsoon presents The Joy of Fat, a powerful exhibition at Fourth Wall Folkestone that celebrates body diversity and challenges stigma. Running throughout August 2025, Monsoon’s latest collection of ceramic works embraces and reclaims the word “fat” as a joyful and unapologetic expression of self-love and acceptance.
Through her distinctive ceramic artistry, Monsoon pays tribute to bodies, inviting audiences to reflect on the beauty of human form beyond conventional standards. The exhibition is an immersive, thought-provoking response to societal attitudes toward body image, encouraging visitors to reconsider their perceptions and embrace inclusivity.
Monsoon’s work is deeply rooted in the history of ceramics, drawing inspiration from ancient fertility figures and traditional sculptural forms that have long celebrated fuller bodies. At the same time, she addresses the ways in which body shaming has evolved throughout history, using clay as a medium to reclaim and challenge these narratives. By merging historical reverence with contemporary critique, Monsoon crafts a visual dialogue that honors and redefines representations of the body.
“The word ‘fat’ has been weaponised for too long,” says Mellissa Monsoon. “This exhibition is about taking back that word and celebrating all bodies as worthy, beautiful, and full of joy. Through clay, I am able to shape, honour, and uplift the forms that exist in the real world.”
Fri 8 Aug to Sun 10 Aug, Fri 15 Aug to Sun 17 Aug, Fri 22 Aug to Sun 24 Aug, Fri 29 Aug to Sun 31 Aug
Fourth Wall Folkestone
10-12 The Old High Street
Folkestone Kent CT20 1RL
The exhibition launches with a private view on Friday, 1st August 2025 6 - 8 pm, offering guests the first opportunity to experience Monsoon’s compelling work. Beyond the display of ceramic pieces, The Joy of Fat will feature a series of interactive workshops throughout the month, engaging the community in creative expression and discussions around body positivity and self-acceptance.Closing Event: Friday 29th August 6 - 9 pm
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