Perspectives on Queer Hedonism, 2023

‘Perspectives on Queer Hedonism’, was an immersive art experience I organised and curated in partnership with queer arts collective Stoggaf. The ephemeral set I led the creative for was a strong success; it gave reception to over 300 people throughout the day and night.

Our intention was to explore differing interpretations of queer hedonism and their relevance in contemporary culture. Amongst the set of a deconstructed bedroom, a significant environment to the shaping of queer identity, 22 artists shared their personal take on the theme.

Art pieces ranged from photography, sculpture, painting to poetry and beyond reflecting a diverse range of ideas; from defining hedonism, to protest, queer space, intimacy, healing, wellbeing and more.

Performances were by Femtxt, writer and activist Prishita Maheshwari-Aplin and contemporary dancer Madi Plunkett. I hosted a Q&A with Prishita and Stogaff Artistic Director Kieran Mason. The evening DJ was Depa.

Creative concept, set design, set-build lead, art curation, co-event production - Elinor Henry.

Poster design - Beatrice Sangster. Co-production, marketing - Stoggaf Collective, Seb Walker, Kieran Mason, Matt Dennis. Construction and lighting - Johnny. Funding - Seb Walker. Installation: Alexia Vasilarou, Laura Henry, Becca Simpson, Maria Helena Toscano, Parks, Niv Fridman, Theo Vasiloudes.

Poster design by Beatrice Sangster.

Madi performed an experimental piece for 10 minutes to their sister's unrealeased electronic soundtracks.

Concept narrative and sketch

Set concept development: bed installation. Ink pen, Photoshop.

Set concept development. Ink pen, Photoshop.

Set concept development. Ink pen, Photoshop.

Floor plan.

Artist Q&A post performance.

Visitors enjoying the interactive bed installation.

Sculptures by CSM MA Photography grad Parks and painting by UK Winner Saatchi Art For Change 2022, Felix Chester, installed amongst a painted cupboard.

Draped bed installation with night table created with help of volunteers. Live painting performance by Femtxt next to mixed media painting and oil pastel drawings by Tasalla Tabasom.

Wall of Gerardo Vizmanos photography.

London Thames sink sculpture by head of RCA Queer Society Niv Fridman, commissioned for exhibition.

Theo Vasiloudes multimedia sculptural work.

Image

Write some details about this image.

Press

"Tucked under one of Brixton’s arches, the Queer Hedonism exhibition brings together artists, performers and the community to investigate how we can experience and represent hedonism in its queerest form." Read full article here

T'Art Press

Amelia Brown