GFEST is upon us!
November 5, 2011 By
GFEST is upon us. Now in its fifth year, London’s LGBT arts festival will be showcasing the best in visual arts, film and performance. Expect highbrow debate, queer controversy and a good old fashioned love-in. The Gaily Mail caught up with one of this year’s artists, Paul Chisholm, to discuss price tags, exhibiting in New York and the issue of Jesus’ HIV status.GFEST – in a nutshell, what’s it all about and how important is LGBT arts in today’s society?
GFEST is London’s only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Arts Festival. LGBT arts are very important in society. There is still a long way to go in gaining equality both abroad and here in the UK. Art is one of the best tools for changing opinions.
GFEST is very selective in the artist it showcases. How does it feel to be involved?
Fantastic! It’s great to be able to help Gaywise FESTival (produced and organised by arts charity Wise Thoughts and the brainchild of the festival Artistic Director, Niranjan Kamatkar) to raise awareness of LGBT issues and break down people’s prejudices through art .
How would you describe your art to the Gaily Mail reader?
My work is a conundrum, it is at once pleasing to the eye, but also disturbing at the same time. Many juxtaposed colours, objects and texts proliferate out of the everyday and extraordinary materials I utilise. Touching on issues of health, life, sex, death, war, relationships, human emotions and the world as a contemporary fleeting moment, I seek for the audience to ask what is important in our lives and how we all have the power for change, even when obstacles seem insurmountable.
That’s quite a mouthful. Your work is very provocative – do you look for the shock factor?
No! My work just touches on subjects that are personal to me, all these ideas are already out there, I just visualize and re-interpret ideas to question society and our own opinions. Of course some people may find my work shocking, but that’s not what it is out to do. I set out to make people question their own beliefs and opinions.
Your art piece “Provocation” states “Jesus Had HIV”. Tell me about it.
“Provocation” is a work made in response to the words of Pastor Xola Skosana in South Africa. He made this statement to de-stigmatise those who are affected by HIV and AIDS. This work aims to bring these issues to light within the art consuming community. The work is intended to get people talking about the stigma attached to being HIV positive.
You recently exhibited in New York. How was your work received across the pond?
Very well indeed. The Americans love us British. The show was for VISUAL AIDS (a contemporary arts organisation committed to HIV prevention and AIDS awareness through visual arts projects), called Mixed Messages. It brings together both emerging talent (such as myself ) and big names including Yoko Ono and Felix Gonzalez Torres, exploring thirty years of the AIDS crisis. The show also looks like it will be travelling America next year, so if you missed it the first time round…
Which artist are you most looking forward to seeing at GFEST?
The Trope Troupe for their work “Departures” which explores the criminality of being gay across the globe. Interesting stuff.
It’s vulgar to talk about money, but what’s the price tag for your work?
It’s not vulgar to talk about money – it’s integral to society as we know it! Anywhere between £20 – £1000. However, I’m not represented by a gallery so there is still not a ‘market’ price for my work. Here’s hoping I can give up my day job one day!
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Felix Gonzalez Torres (artist) and my husband.
If the Gaily Mail were a work of art, what would it be?
It would have to be a photograph of a rainbow called “The calm after the storm”.
GFEST runs from 7 to 20 November.
GFEST
Paul Chisholm
Image: Viral Load, 2010. Rubber, glass headed pins (Paul Chisholm)
About RaymundRaymund arrived in London over a decade ago and immersed himself in sponsorship and events in London ever since. He cut his teeth working with clients such as James Bond, UEFA, Diageo and Esprit. He helped created the annual Ford Pride Football Tournament and delivered Ford's sponsorship and activation of London Pride and Euro Pride over four years. He projected managed the opening of the SOS Children's Village in Mumbai and is a regular traveller and writer. He is thrilled to be involved with The Gaily Mail and intends to review the best London and abroad has to offer the LGBT community.
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