n-Space: States of Exception

Connecting themes and ideas emerging from n-Space, a new space at Somerset House Studios for research and interdisciplinary experimentation across art and technology, States of Exception is an ongoing series exploring art, technology, and governance.

From data centres reconfiguring energy grids to AI systems determining credit ratings, the convergence of technology and governance is reengineering everyday life. The first events in the series interrogate contemporary sociotechnical systems and ask what operative fictions – the stories that make these systems feel inevitable – drive the transformations to come. Through talks, performances, and dialogues, States of Exception stages encounters where artists, technologists, and researchers challenge these systems and rehearse new possibilities together.

Saturday 2 May 2026

15:00 – 16:30 | The Algorithmic Sovereign | Max Haiven, Dr. Seeta Peña Gangadharan and Damien Roach

17:15 – 18:45 | Prophets and Protocols | Günseli Yalcinkaya, Wassim Z. Alsindi and Ruby Justice Thelot

19:30 – 20:10 | Artist’s Model | Sarah Friend

The day is preceded by a live role-played court hearing Trial Trial, organised by n-Space fellows, dmstfctn, Ed Fornieles, Agnes Cameron, Hannah Cobb, and Leela Jadhav. The live action role play (LARP) is by invitation only and will contribute to future public outcomes within the series.

More on: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/states-of-exception-2026

Ph: Christa Holka