Last week, Vertigo’s Social Media Director, Kimia Nojoumian, and Creative Editor, Liv Litver, had the pleasure of attending HYP3DD’s first event, themed ‘BODIES BODIES BODIES’. Organised by Trinity and Harry, HYP3DD was created to both fundraise for various prolific causes and reignite the Sydney arts scene.
Tucked away in the upstairs storage room at the back of the Gladstone Hotel, among tangled wires and cables, we had the honour of sitting down with the event organisers to speak candidly about the meaning, effort and organisation behind HYP3DD: ‘BODIES BODIES BODIES’. The two, although clearly pumped with adrenaline, between trouble shooting and performing, still, held a notable air of unity.
Walking up to Goodspace Gallery just as the event opened offered a very different viewing experience from the vibrant party it would become as the night progressed.
It was quiet, yet alive and buzzing with early 20-year-olds dressed to the nines, walking around with friends, and enjoying all the atmosphere that the space had to offer. Ambient and soft pink lighting illuminated this exhibit of strange and wonderful art, some sexual, some frightening, and all unconventional. We were able to meet our hosts, chat to some cool-looking people, and enjoy the space before its roof was raised.
Who doesn’t love a themed event? The 2022 comedy, horror, and murder mystery film, directed by Halina Reijn, made for the perfect inspiration for the occasion, igniting event goers to don glow sticks and acted as a muse for some of the bodies of works exhibited. “It's the first thing we thought of,” Trinity promptly shared with us, “...this is a recurring event…All the themes will be relevant to a queer movement, a queer moment in pop culture”. Dare we say that holding space for niche Queer moments and movements is exactly what made this event so special? When asked why they chose to create this type of event, Harry responded, “Mainly because we are so gay and creative. It's our entire world, it's our community. We go to these types of events all the time,” going on to say that they wanted to create a space where multifaceted creatives would feel celebrated and held. Aiming to celebrate both sides of what it is to be young in Eora. To party and dance to live music, but to sit in stillness and listen to poetry and enjoy the arts.
The event raised just over $3,000 for ‘Focus Congo’, from both ticket sales and creative contributors selling poetry books and art works. ‘Focus Congo’ is a charity which aims, through a bottom-up approach, to educate and empower youth in the Democratic republic of Congo (‘DRC’), and assists in the survival of local grassroots organisations within the DRC. Prior to our interview, Trinity gave an address on the charity where they said that as Queer people we are not liberated until we are all liberated. This statement truly rang clear throughout the event and when speaking with the organisers. Although the charity was subject to consistent change per event, you could tell this was a cause they cared for. When entering the gallery space, we were met with an installation which highlighted what ‘Focus Congo’ was, and where the proceeds of this event were going. The two agreed that when choosing a charity “it should be something that not a lot of people know about”. Taking the time to explain the irreversible damages of cobalt mining, they went on to explain how “no matter where you buy it from, [cobalt] is on the backs of exploited labour”.
Early into the night, we were graced by the lineup of poets and speakers. Among these talented individuals was our radiant and lovely Features Editor, Zara, who blew everyone away with her humour, thoughtfulness, and soothingly rhythmic speech. They were joined by a talented array of young, queer artists including: Ella Avni, Emily Henderson, Jeffery Khoo, Paloma Vazquez, and organiser Trinity Santos, all of which had us snapping our fingers with each second line. Together, we sat and absorbed the creativity of these speakers as they shared stories of class division, trauma, intimacy, and growing up. Through their steady speech that thumped like a heartbeat, we fell into a tranquil silence, leaning forward, breathing softly, waiting impatiently for every new word.
How lucky we are to have events such as these in Sydney. Not only do they serve as a safe-space for young, queer people, but they also act as a social hub for creatives alike. A place for you to see that one-person-you-know-vaguely’s ex situationship. A place for you to mingle, dance, and become inspired. A place for you to feel seen, heard, and understood, no matter your background. These events not only bring awareness to the ongoing cruelties taking place in our world that are frequently obscured by social media, creating perfectly curated individual echo chambers of thought through our feeds but work to bring forward aid and relief. To be able to focus on such an important cause that highlights the extreme violence and exploitation occurring in Congo, and to offer support through such a wholesome and creative event, is truly inspiring and Sydney needs more of it.
Attending this event made us feel nothing short of grateful. Grateful for all the creativity our generation has to offer. Grateful for organisers like Harry and Trinity who look for the hidden injustices in our world, and work to offer as much help as they can. Grateful for the creatives for the Queer Sydney Scene. And grateful for the Lord Gladstone Hotel.
It is relieving to know that Sydney still offers nightlife for people who equate Sash Sundays to Dante’s 5th layer of Hell, you just need to know where to look (hint: it’s our Vertigo Instagram Stories).
HYP3DD is the perfect depiction of what it is to be young in Eora. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Friday night than to be surrounded by gifted creatives, good music, and deeply caring souls. We look forward to what the next installment of HYP3DD brings!