Power Politics in Art & Fashion. A startling exhibition combining art, photography, fashion and high street retail to explore the uses and abuses of political power. The exhibition is at the Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport, Dorset and runs from Saturday 10 May – Saturday 7 June.
Acerbic splodges, paint dripping with barbs, marks made with boot heel and fist… These are points of reference in the fascinating compilation of drawings by Ralph Steadman and Judith Gait, which form part of Held to Account. These are uncompromising and challenging works that provoke thoughtful discussion about current political agenda.
Also showing in this exhibition are the photographs of award winning photo journalists Raphael Shultzer – Weissmann and Carlos Guarito exploring the depth of patriotism, the limits of the phrase, ‘My Country Right or Wrong’.
The charity Reprieve founded by Clive Stafford Smith OBE has made its presence felt through defending human rights and preventing wrongful imprisonment. The charity has represented the legal rights of the detainees held at Guantanamo Bay. This exhibition highlights a new campaign backed by the high street retail names of Agent Provocateur and Lush Cosmetics and provides an insight into the reasons why high street retailers became involved in controversial political decisions.
Vivienne Westwood featured the Reprieve/Agent Provocateur "Fair Trial My Arse" pants at her fashion show in London on February 14th.
Talks, Tours and Events:
Saturday 17 May, 2:30 – 3:15pm Free
Andrew Butler, campaign manager for Lush Cosmetics, explains why the high street store became involved in the plight of the Guantanamo Detainees.
Saturday 10 May, 2:30 – 3:15pm Free
The artist Judith Gait will speak about her work in Held to Account.
Thursday 29 May, 8pm Lectures on Everything, Symondsbury Manor
Nick Yarris will speak about his wrongful imprisonment for murder on Pennsylvania’s Death Row for 22 years, before DNA evidence proved him innocent. Nick was released in January 2004. Phone 01308 458116.
Saturday 7 June
Fundraising Party at the Electric Palace phone 01308 428354.
All Proceeds To Reprieve
