I am black because I come from the earth’s inside: Zivarna Murphy
Humber Street Gallery is pleased to present I am black because I come from the earth’s inside, an exhibition by Zivarna Murphy.
This new commission is an invitation to enter an alternatively conceived shell grotto: a space for considering how this architectural form might be reclaimed and imagined otherwise.
Ornamental sites of display, wealth and status, shell grottoes became fashionable within British estates and gardens during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Often shaped by women whose labour went largely unrecorded, these spaces are entangled with notions of class, gender and Britishness. Murphy enters this layered history through making, re-forming the grotto with locally gathered boulder clay, hand-formed ceramics, and sculptural weaving.
Taking its form from the cave, the grotto carries deep associations with retreat, ritual, and transformation. Moving between the histories held in the grotto and her own experience, Murphy approaches making as a process of discovery, through which the grotto can be encountered anew.
Since March 2026, Zivarna Murphy has been supported as part of Holding Space, a studio residency at Juice Studios. The residency provided an artist working in Hull, who would otherwise not have access to a studio, with seven months of cost-covered studio space and dedicated time to develop and expand their creative practice. Zivarna’s residency culminates in this presentation of work.
Accessibility
Is Humber Street Gallery wheelchair accessible?
Yes. You can access every part of the gallery without steps. The entrance is level with the street, and there’s a lift to all floors, including the rooftop.
Do you have accessible toilets?
Yes. We have one all-gender accessible toilet on the ground floor with grab rails and emergency pull cords.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Absolutely. We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other trained assistance animals throughout the building.
Do you provide large print or accessible exhibition guides?
Yes. We offer large print as standard and Dyslexia-friendly versions of exhibition texts. You can pick them up in the gallery or download them from the exhibition pages of our website.
Is there somewhere quiet I can go if I need a break?
We know the gallery can sometimes feel busy or overwhelming. Ask a member of staff and we’ll help you find a quieter space to take a moment.
Do you offer sensory-friendly experiences?
Some exhibitions include sensory content and we have regular quiet hours. We also have ear defenders available to borrow at the front desk. If you need anything specific, get in touch before your visit. You can find details of our noisy and quiet hours at the top of this page.
Is there Blue Badge parking nearby?
Yes. There are Blue Badge parking bays on Humber Street and surrounding roads, just a short distance from the gallery.
Are your events and workshops accessible?
We aim to make all events as accessible as possible. Access details vary depending on the activity, so check individual listings or contact us with any questions.
What if I have an access need that’s not listed here?
We’re happy to chat and find ways to support your visit. You can call us, email us or drop in for a conversation.