I love hearing stories about people doing inspiring things. In particular, I’m interested in the women around me who lead projects that are making the world a more sustainable, just, knowledgeable, creative, well-designed, delicious, healthy, and all-round better place.
My new blog series, ‘Five Minutes With’, takes you inside the world of a different trailblazing woman each month, finding out what they love doing in and around London, what’s catching their attention at the moment, and what powers the interesting work they do.
Neysela da Silva-Reed is a freelance museum, gallery and arts educator who is passionate about developing meaningful visitor experiences. Specialising in gallery teaching strategies and engagement tools, she is committed to fostering meaningful relationships to break down barriers between visitors and institutions. Neysela has worked for major institutions in London and New York, including The Met, The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Barbican and The Imperial War Museum.
Which book are you reading/podcasts are you listening to at the moment?
I have a particular passion for graphic novels. I currently have two books lined up to start reading. Josephine Baker by Catel & Bocquet, which is about the life of the entertainer and civil rights activist. Also Mallko And Dad by Gusti, a diary and illustrated journal by the father of a son with Down’s Syndrome.
For podcasts, having lived in the States for four years, I have developed an unhealthy obsession with American politics. I listen to a concoction of The Rachel Maddow Show, Pod Save America and the Political Gabfest. To keep up with the museum industry I love Museopunks and Cultura Conscious.
What’s the most interesting exhibition/play/film/event you’ve been to recently?
I’m a huge fan of Kara Walker, having come across her work during my time in the US. I was intrigued to see how her brutal, challenging commentary would tackle UK history, so I went to the Tate as soon as her piece ‘Fons Americanus’ opened. I LOVED IT! I found it so powerful. It was incredibly detailed with so many references, including the historic slave trade connections to Angola, where I was born. That personal link made the piece resonate with me so much more.
A movie I’d really recommend is Knives Out. It’s a familiar genre – an Agatha Christie-ish murder-mystery story, but told in a really interesting, new way. So funny, sharp and fun. A must-see.
What’s your best new discovery for more eco-friendly living?
I’m always really conscious that as women we are in a difficult position when it comes to our monthly friend! But while living in New York I came across the underwear company Thinx. They completely changed my life! I’ll never go back.
I also recently discovered reusable Q tips. There are a few companies out there, but I like Last Object. I’m really loving the companies tackling single-use items.
What’s your most exciting new food discovery?
There’s an amazing Thai barbecue restaurant in Shoreditch called Smoking Goat. The flavours are intense, and everything on the menu is delicious.
Menu-permitting, our ideal order is: smoked oysters, chilli fish sauce chicken wings, and beef massaman curry with lardo rice. The first time we went there, the waiter called this the perfect order. Who are we to argue?
Is there a place in London that’s especially close to your heart?
On our first date, my now husband took me to sit in front of my favourite painting, Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus by J. M. W. Turner, at the National Gallery. We were students back then, and as we sat on the bench we spoke about what we wanted in the future. It was clear right from the start we were on the same page. That year he got me a framed print of the painting for Christmas.
Do you have a favourite spot in London for peace & quiet?
I love being by the water. Between Wapping and St Katherine’s Dock there are these ornamental canals that are so peaceful and beautiful. They usually have fish, ducks and swans swimming decoratively, as if carefully placed for a painting.
Low tide on the Thames is also a favourite. The river is full of secret beaches which are even more fun to enjoy if you have a dog. Our dog Paco loves the feel of sand, it makes him go crazy!
But if you’re in the heart of the city and need somewhere to hide, I’m a big fan of Dover Street Market. It’s like looking through an incredible haute couture fashion exhibition. I usually ogle the ridiculous clothing then chill out with tea and cake at Rose Bakery on the top floor.
Which women inspire you, and why?
I think my mum is a fascinating woman. She has the most incredible life story. I often find myself sharing it like it’s mine, or like it’s a movie I’ve watched that I really need to share. I’m always telling her she needs to write a memoir.
I’m obsessed with Rachel Maddow. Her whole approach to news is the idea of storytelling, and she really understands that a good story is what brings the audience in. I’m always using her for inspiration in my work.
A fictional woman is Mini Driver’s character Maya DiMeo in the television show Speechless. I’ve chosen her because representation really does matter. Seeing the struggles, emotions, and opinions of a SEND mama portrayed on TV was a tear-jerking moment for me. It helped that her character seemed to be as loud and crazy as me!
Which book/article/video would you most recommend from the past year or so?
I’m working on the new photography exhibition at the Barbican – Masculinity: Liberation through Photography – and read this fascinating article in The Atlantic – The Miseducation of the American Boy by Peggy Orenstein. It’s a really fitting read in the current political climate.
Which upcoming exhibition/play/film/event are you looking forward to?
I’ve recently pulled away from major exhibitions at museums, towards exploring smaller galleries instead. Mayfair gallery-hopping allows me to discover a new artist I hadn’t come across before or, if I’m lucky, a wonderful new display of an artwork I do know but shown in a different, playful way.
My favourite gallery pulling this off is Nahmad Projects in London. Quite literally the best exhibitions I’ve ever seen.
Which project or cause is inspiring you at the moment, and how/why?
Shoutout to Jessie Hunt as I’m inspired by women who take their lived experience and use it to help educate and improve the services of the NHS. I really want to take my own recent traumatic experience with the NHS and use it for good.
When my daughter was born, the doctors and nurses left me angry and confused. Knowledge and information are so important in these scenarios, so I’ve been exploring how I can use my skills in education to develop a tool to help doctors and nurses deliver clearer messages to new parents. Watch this space.
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