Image: Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth
Ashley David John’s exhibition ‘Too Long We Sit, Tongue-Tied’ is on view at Aspex Gallery in Portsmouth through 13 September 2026. The presentation brings together works by the Portsmouth artist, whose practice is described by the gallery as being shaped by distinctive interventions in public space.
The exhibition examines the social and political landscapes that influence everyday life. Rather than presenting the works solely as objects within the gallery, the exhibition’s framing connects them to the ways public spaces are used, encountered and interpreted. The available information does not specify the individual works or the materials used in the presentation.
John’s interventions in public space provide the exhibition with its central point of reference. The gallery characterises these interventions as distinctive, while positioning the displayed works as an exploration of the conditions—social and political—that shape ordinary experience. No further biographical information or artist statement is provided in the exhibition material.
‘Too Long We Sit, Tongue-Tied’ forms part of Aspex’s programme at The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. Aspex describes itself as an arts and educational charity and presents a free programme of exhibitions, workshops and other activities. Its autumn programme is focused on emerging artists and the next generation of creative talent, alongside artist support, residencies and community projects.
The gallery’s September programme also includes the group exhibitions ‘2126: What If?’ and ‘Generate: In Good Company’, as well as the Platform Graduate Award exhibition ‘The Shape of a Spell’, which opens later in the month. These projects are separate from John’s exhibition. ‘Too Long We Sit, Tongue-Tied’ remains the venue’s focused presentation of work by a single Portsmouth artist.
Admission to Aspex is free. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 11am to 4pm, and all works in the exhibition are available to purchase. ‘Too Long We Sit, Tongue-Tied’ continues at Aspex Gallery until 13 September 2026.
