The ubiquitous nature of T-shirts makes them a powerful tool for activism. We are proud to announce the “We Move in Circles” exhibition with guest curator Russell Tovey, remembering artists lost to AIDS. We'll be showcasing a rare collection of HIV/AIDS activism through protest art and T-shirts, alongside a screening of “Life is Excellent,” a documentary honouring the legacy of artist David Robilliard.
The Exhibition
“Say It With Your Chest: T-Shirts of Queer Protest and Rebellion” is a showcase of rare HIV/AIDS activism T-shirts, curated in collaboration with PAST. Shirts including iconic Keith Haring designs and ACT UP’s “SILENCE = DEATH” will be on display, as well as a library of queer literature, curated by Gay’s The Word. This is part of Tovey’s broader mission to raise awareness about the impact of the AIDS crisis, and to educate viewers about the contributions of queer British and American artists whose lives were tragically cut short by HIV/AIDS.
The Film
“Life Is Excellent” is WePresent’s first-ever original feature-length documentary, and it follows Tovey as he embarks on a quest to bring to prominence the life of his artistic hero, David Robilliard, whose life was tragically lost during the AIDS pandemic in 1988 at age just 36.
Through Robilliard's close friends, collaborators, and colleagues, Tovey pieces together the life of a man celebrated for his distinctive visual art and poetry, with an unwavering mission to ensure his legacy is never forgotten.
Saturday Program
On Saturday, the event space will be playing host to a program of conversations and performances. Brian Paddick—the highest ranking office in the UK police force to be openly gay—will be speaking about his experience with Russell Tovey, before writer Otamere Guobadia performs some of his poetry alongside a conversation with Robert Diament, and in the evening there will be a group poetry reading from the cast of Blue Now, featuring Russell Tovey, Travis Alabanza, Jay Bernard and Neil Bartlett.
11:00-12:00 Brian Paddick in conversation with Russell Tovey
14:00-15:00 Robert Diament in conversation with Otamere Guobadia
18:00-20:00 Group poetry reading from the cast of Blue Now
The Details
The Venue
133 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 7DG
The Dates
23 - 25 November
The Times
10:00 - 19:00
