Sam Ashby (b. 1981) is a British artist based in London. Sam’s archival, research-led practice is concerned with uncovering marginal narratives and activating them through film, writing and publishing. From 2010–2021 he edited, designed and published Little Joe, a journal for the discussion of film around subjects of sexuality and gender within a queer historical context. His first film, The Colour of His Hair (2017) premiered at International Film Festival Rotterdam and won the Best Documentary prize at London Short Film Festival 2018. His last, La Licorne (2022), was commissioned by Villa Noailles for the 90th anniversary of Île du Levant, a naturist colony in the South of France. He was an artist in residence at the Fire Island Artist Residency (FIAR, 2014), is a recipient of the Van Abbemuseum’s Deviant Practice research grant (2018–2019), and is a MacDowell Colony Fellow (2016, 2019). Most recently, he has edited an anthology of Little Joe for SPBH Editions/MACK, and was an artist in residence at the Tom of Finland Foundation (2024).

The American poet James Broughton (b. 1913–d. 1999) was a member of the San Francisco Renaissance movement, an early bard of the Radical Faeries, as well as a member of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Broughton made more than 20 experimental films during his career and, in 1973, met Joel Singer (b. 1948): becoming lovers and collaborators, they worked together on a number of short poetic, spiritual and erotic works.

This event is programmed in conjunction with Ashby’s exhibition Sanctuary, which continues at San Mei Gallery, Brixton until Saturday 16 November 2024. Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 am–6 pm.

Upcoming events at San Mei Gallery:

Publication Launch and Talk: Sam Ashby in conversation with Harry Cocks, Saturday 9 November, 3 pm

Community Coffee Morning and Curator’s Tour, 7 November, 10.30 am–12 pm

Visit San Mei Gallery for further information. 

San Mei Gallery is a non-profit independent space for contemporary art in South London, committed to research-led, educational and collaborative exchanges. First opened in 2017,  we operate with an artist-led approach and support artists and curators to experiment with new ideas. Our cross-disciplinary programme of exhibitions and events exists to develop emerging artistic practice in London and further afield.

This event includes films featuring nudity, sexually explicit and erotic content, and flashing images.

This event is seated. Read Studio Voltaire's full access information by visiting studiovoltaire.org/visit/access

Still from Song of the Godbody (James Broughton and Joel Singer, 1977)

Still from Gardener of Eden (James Broughton and Joel Singer, 1981)

Still from Shaman Psalm (James Broughton and Joel Singer, 1981)

All images courtesy Joel Singer.