A major new commission by Sunil Gupta with Imperial Health Charity, displayed across two London hospitals, with a concurrent presentation on view at Studio Voltaire.
Gupta spent a year working in residence at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington and Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith. Recruited via an open invitation, LGBTQIA+ people from the adult HIV Clinic and Gender Affirmation Surgery service were invited to collaborate and spend time with Gupta.
The resulting series of photographic works present portrayals of his collaborators’ lives, their experiences of receiving care and the relationships and transformations that occur in the process. Each work incorporates a colourful accompanying text panel, referencing the work of artist Ken Lum. Some fictional, some personal—they explore family, community, stigma and the lived realities of individuals who access these vital services. With tenderness and insight, Songs of Deliverance will explore how public health systems shape private modes of belonging.
A digital installation of the entire series of thirty-eight works are displayed in the Project Studio, whilst a concurrent exhibition of selected large–scale photographic works from the series are on display at St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington and Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith until 24 June.
This project is a collaboration between Studio Voltaire and Imperial Health Charity and has received additional funding from Arts Council England. Songs of Deliverance forms part of Desperate Living, an ongoing programme supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation that brings artists, public organisations and informal groups together to test out new and experimental forms of collaborative programming, knowledge sharing and production, explored through the lens of LGBTQIA+ healthcare.
With special thanks to all the participants, models and hospital staff involved.
Part I and Part II: Hammersmith Hospital, 72 Du Cane Rd, London W12 0HS
9 July–24 November 2022
Part I: Cambridge Wing Gallery, St. Mary’s Hospital, Praed St, London W2 1NY
24 March–24 June 2022
Part II: Main Foyer, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 8RF
24 March–24 June 2022
Part I & II: Project Studio, Studio Voltaire
25 March–4 May 2022