Gay Pride is again celebrated with simultaneous art exhibitions in London and New York showcasing the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) artists at the Clifford Chance law firm headquarters.
The exhibition is organised by Arcus, Clifford Chance’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employee network, the London exhibition showcases the works of nine artists: Ajamu, Anka Dabrowska, Christa Holka, Paul Knight, Michael Lelenthal Brzezinski, Jill Levy, Rupert Record, Cathy Stocker and Richard Stone. Each artist presents a body of work across several media within their own unique approach and practice.
London features works of art, beautifully installed in the spectacular penthouse suite, in the office boardroom of the Clifford Chance Law Firm. Most eye-catching, were paintings by Anka Dabrowska (top photo) who used spray paint on board to create text based abstractions of note. The display of the work at ankle and waist level surprises the viewer with its calculatingly random hanging.
Richard Stone also exhibits small sculptures in vitrines which utilised 19th century spelter figures as the base for adopting the human form in traditional heroic poses. Cast as historical portraits or caricatures the original work becomes the plinths or supports for new sculptural forms, together through process new sculptures are revealed suggestive of anti-portraiture.
Christa Holka a London based American artist showed photo stills from films. Her work focuses on documenting and archiving the communities in which she exists.
This annual exhibition, first held in New York in 2007, has established itself as one of the foremost corporate-supported annual forums for displaying the work of LGBT artists in both London and New York.
Michael Petry, exhibition curator and Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), London, said; “After the incredible success of last year’s sporting-themed exhibition where we invited all the artists who had worked with us in previous shows, this year I want to return the focus onto a much smaller number of artists. With fewer artists, visitors will be able to get a better understanding of each artist’s practice as we plan to show several bodies (themes) of work by each artist. There will be a mixture of photography, sculpture and painting with an emphasis on the figure, but there are also conceptual works and a new installation piece.”
Clifford Chance senior partner Malcolm Sweeting commented, “Diversity is a cornerstone of our success, and this annual celebration of the creative talent of the LGBT artistic community is a testament to our commitment to fostering and supporting a multifaceted workplace in which everyone can thrive.”
The London exhibition runs until 19 July while the New York exhibition is on view from June 3 through September 13th.