To mark February’s LGBT+ History month, Leeds Arts University Students' Union and Spectrum Society celebrated the University’s LGBTQIA+ community with a showcase of students’ work at Leeds Corn Exchange.
Image: Fred from Finance (@fredfromfinance) at the Queer Identity private view. Photo (c) Natalie Ayres, BA (Hons) Photography (@natalieayres.photography)
An evening of performance art and music launched, Queer Identity, a week-long exhibition of painting, film and photography exploring the theme of queer identity. Portraits featured highly among the work on display and guests at the event noted the vulnerability of the subjects and the solidarity of feeling experienced by the contributors and audience alike.
Images: Artwork by Jodie Cutting and Seren Oakley featured in Queer Identity at the Corn Exchange, Leeds (27 February - 3 March 2020). Photo (c) Natalie Ayres
Spectrum Society president, Robyn Dewhurst said: “It is important to give a platform to queer art, which is not always taken seriously in a fine art context. It wasn’t until 2017 that we welcomed the first exhibition dedicated to Queer British art (Tate Britain, London), for example.
"The enthusiasm and togetherness of this event, from students across disciplines and year groups, was incredibly energising. It was fantastic to see so much support for the University’s LGBTQIA+ community from its members and those who do not define as part of the community.”
Image: Queer Identity private view at Leeds Corn Exchange, February 2020. Photo (c) Natalie Ayres
Participating students: BA (Hons) Fine Art, Georgina Bond, Jodie Cutting, Beatrix Haxby, Seren Oakley and Milly Routledge; BA (Hons) Photography, Natalie Ayres, Oliver Clarke, Eleanor Chandler, Jack Cunningham and Robyn Dewhurst; BA (Hons) Comic & Concept Art, Tyler Hartley; BA (Hons) Filmmaking, Marnah Lissiley; and BA (Hons) Illustration, Maverick Wark.
