A year-long art exhibition aimed at celebrating queer identity and expression has successfully launched in Sheffield.
Graves Gallery is hosting the display which brings together historic and contemporary artworks to look at how LGBTQ+ representations have developed throughout the history of art.
Jon Sleigh, curator of the exhibition, said: “Sheffield’s art collection is an incredible space to explore Queer potential. These stories matter because we matter.
“It’s a reminder that LGBTQ+ history is not a new addition to the collections or a side story, but at the heart of Sheffield.”
The exhibition is split into three main themes, ‘revolution’ signifies the historic legal and social issues that surrounded queer expression.
‘Revelation’ sheds light on hidden messages that would have previously have to have been hidden for those reasons and ‘Reinforcement’, which celebrates the strengthening foundations of queer art.
‘Revolution, Revelation, Reinforcement: Queer Legacies in Sheffield’s Art Collection’ will run until February next year and is completely free to visit, with a suggested £5 donation.
Alison Morton, Head of Exhibitions at Sheffield Museums said: “Jon Sleigh, with input from the city’s LGBTQ+ communities, has so thoughtfully explored how Queer stories are part of the fabric of the city’s collection and speak directly to our lives today.”
The exhibition also includes bespoke wallpaper designed by Sheffield artist Lisa O’Hara which has been inspired by workshops with local LGBTQ+ communities, including groups from SAYiT and Zest, and visitors to the Millennium Gallery.
Morton said: “As we head into spring, we’re delighted to reopen the Graves Gallery with two new exhibitions which in turn celebrate Sheffield artistic excellence and reveal the breadth Queer expression represented throughout the city’s collections.”