YDP's 'Unlicensed Goods' Explores Borders, Copying, and Cultural Legitimacy

From June 12 to August 15, 2026, YDP in London will host a significant group exhibition titled 'Unlicensed Goods.' This event showcases the work of over thirty artists, designers, duos, and collectives from both historical and contemporary backgrounds across three levels of the YDP building, including a conservatory, corridors, and vaults. The exhibition explores the impact of borders, property rights, museums, and capital on mobility, replication, and preservation. It is divided into sections: 'Lost & Found' on the first floor; 'Shelters & Drifts' and 'Copy Shop' on the ground floor; 'Living & Non-Living' also on the ground floor; and 'Unlicensed Tropicalia' on the lower ground floor. Notable pieces include Chu Ming Silveira's 'Orelhão' telephone booth, Liu Chuang's 'Buying Everything on You (Yuan Wenhao),' Reena Saini Kallat's visa-rejection rubber stamps, and Gala Porras-Kim's mould spores from the British Museum. The 'Copy Shop' invites guests to photocopy the exhibition guide, transforming the theme of copying into a participatory experience. Ultimately, the exhibition unveils a 'second system' comprising migrant networks, underground trade, and informal infrastructures that coexist with established systems of states, brands, and museums.