A Year of Reflection: Creativity, Community and carrying Nick Fraser's Legacy...
- Marx James
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
It’s strange how a year can pass quietly, almost without announcement and yet carry so much within it. As I sit here, reflecting on the twelve months since Chapter One, I feel that familiar ache, the blend of pride, exhaustion, gratitude, and a tenderness that only comes from walking through the unknown.
This year has reminded me that time moves at its own pace. Sometimes it races ahead of us; sometimes it hardens the ground beneath our feet, and yet, even through those moments where the world felt heavy or overwhelmingly fast, the warmth of our network friends, artists, supporters, held the light steady. For that, I am very grateful.
When the exhibition came to a close, and the quiet days of early 2025 rolled in, I found myself gently shifting back into curatorial mode. In February, I had the honour of being invited to speak to new UAL curator students about my journey over the past two years. Sharing openly about the realities. It's challenges, joys, and unexpected pathways.
It reminded me why all this work matters: to uplift stories, create opportunities, and keep opening doors for artists who might otherwise remain unseen.
As many of us do, I questioned my own productivity at times. There were days where it felt like I’d barely moved at all. But reflection teaches us kindly: the small steps, the quiet admin days, the unseen labour... these are often the foundations of bigger things. Sometimes acknowledging the “little things” is the most generous act we can offer ourselves.
Throughout 2025, I continued to share Nick's Legacy. This year has taught me resilience, patience, empathy, and the importance of fighting for artists who were never given the support they deserved. Through Nick, I’ve learned what it means to honour not just one life but many. His story has become a compass, guiding me to support more artists and open doors he never had the chance to walk through.
One of the most heartwarming moments of this year was the Young Creatives Art Exhibition, celebrating artists aged 4–16. Watching children and teens express themselves so boldly and freely was deeply moving. A reminder of why creative spaces matter, and how important it is to nurture the next generation.
This year brought many emotional and meaningful milestones:
A powerful meeting with Mark Steene, CEO of Outside In, which blossomed into the launch of Nick’s online gallery.
My first visit to the London Print Fair at Somerset House.
A moving trip to Sotheby’s in Mayfair, reflecting on how far this journey has come.
https://www.imaginative-reaction.org/post/stepping-into-the-frame-a-curator-s-day-in-mayfair
Sharing Nick’s story across the airwaves with a touching radio interview.
Continued artist support including two BoThai showcases, an intimate collaboration with Nopalera Sessions, Pop up exhibition spaces and opportunities in 2026.
Welcoming new imaginative reaction artists, expanding our creative family.
A tender feature in Balmly UAE Magazine, sharing Nick’s story further afield.
A long-awaited first visit to Frieze London, thanks to 'London Arts Club) Enlightening, humbling, and inspiring.
Film Submission to Sony FIlmakers - Presenting the Exhibition movie of Nick Fraser.
Ongoing updates to the imaginative reaction website — our digital home.
Countless unanswered emails, declined applications, and missed opportunities:
London Biennale, Arts Council, Venice International, Miami Art Fair, New York Gallery submissions, the UK Government Digital Innovation Grant…
These quiet declines remind us that perseverance is part of the process. We keep going, and that too is a form of progress.
A wonderful new community partnership with Kew Gardens, opening space for our artists to reflect, create, and reconnect with nature.
Kew Gardens - New opportunities available to our community in 2026!
And then - one final, magical moment to close the year.
Our Imaginative Reaction Pop-Up Exhibition at the Burston Christmas Extravaganza was nothing short of incredible. Hundreds of local families came together to enjoy a festive evening filled with handmade crafts, local traders, stilt walkers, owls, art, and live music.
We were honoured to host breathtaking light performances from the talented BoThai, and a glowing debut performance from Max Guiney.
Meanwhile, Adrian Wildsmith’s interactive workstation became a creative hub — packed from start to finish with children and families leaning in, experimenting, and making art together. The joy in that space was unforgettable.
It was also another meaningful opportunity to share Nick Fraser’s story, exhibiting selected pieces of his work to a warm and appreciative crowd.
The night was a beautiful reminder of what community looks like in motion. We are deeply grateful to Burston for the collaboration and for helping us end the year on such a vibrant high.
An honest update, and a hopeful one.
Since beginning this blog a week ago, I also received news from Hypha Studios regarding my 2026 application. It was, once again, “a very, very strong application” — but not selected on this occasion.
And that’s okay.
We continue.
There is still so much ahead to prepare for in 2026, and I look forward to sharing every step with you as it unfolds.
If there’s one message I hope you take from this reflection, it’s this:
We’re allowed to move slowly. We’re allowed to struggle. We’re allowed to feel lost.
But we’re also capable of more than we realise.
Thank you for being part of this year.
Thank you for holding space for Nick’s legacy.
Thank you for supporting our artists, young and old.
And thank you for holding space for yourselves.
Here’s to another year of creativity and community, wherever the path leads next.
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