Riposte Queer Art Techno Rave

My first ever time exhibiting my art to the public was as a part of the Riposte Queer Art Techno Raves taking place in London. After finding out about these events from a fellow artist who also had exhibited there, Amber Lucia , I new I wanted to do it. As the name implies, these events were an oppourtunity for creative queer people to get together and enjoy a night of techno music, art from a wide range of mediums, and the freedom to express ourselves unapologetically in an environemnt curated for LGBT+ people. The amount of incredible performers, musicians, fine artists and costumes i have seen at these events is really something, and id reccomend it for any LGBT+ in the london area who like a good rave. I’ll also note that i’ve never felt safer at a rave then i did at these events, and the environment is full of energy and never, ever, boring.

After a succsesful application I got to exhibit three of my paintings at one of their events at Electrowerkz, on the 17th Feburary 2023. This was a big learning oppourtnity for me as my first exhibit- especially being in such an unconventional setting. I got to exhibit the paintings in the stairwell, lit by red lighting that complimented the very red paintings.

My second exhibiton at Riposte was on the 1st December 2023, at Electrowerkz again. I exhibited two paintings, this time hung back to back on a glass window with a spotlight leading straight to them.

Being an artist who makes art that may not appeal to all - at the time my paintings really leaned into surreal horror - finding alternative spaces like this gave me the perfect audience of like minded people to appreciate my art. I am forever greatful for this oppourtunity to be an artist in a scene that speaks to me so much. I have attended other events since, and they have all been brilliant.