Fruit Machine : Andrew Lumsden Art & Activism @ Outsiders Gallery, London

 

So long overdue The Outsider Gallery in  East London, is holding a retrospective of the work Andrew Lumsden the legendary pioneer of queer rights who deserves not just recognition, but also our respect and our grateful thanks. The exhibition covers Andrew’s artwork from the early 1970’s through to the 2020’s.

Heads up, we were actually unaware that he was an artist as we knew him as a pioneer of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) when it started up in 1970 (the year after homosexuality was finally legalized in the UK).  He also co-founded the fortnightly Gay News in 1971,  and the following year helped organise the first Gay Pride march, out of which came the global phenomenon known simply as Pride.  The community owes him such a major debt.

When it comes to his art, Andrew  was a contemporary of Derek Jarman and David Hockney and his work ranged from abstract and impressionist works in the 70’s through to highly detailed photo realistic works reflecting the landscapes, beaches and interiors.  Not just of the UK but from his travels  across Spain and Goa, to personal sketches and paintings of friends and lovers, and then back to his first love of abstraction during the lockdown period in 2020

The Gallery is part  of VFD an originator and incubator of queer arts and entertainment in Dalston since 2007.  It has hosted, promoted and nurtured emerging and superstar LGBTQIA+ performers, artists and nights. ( (Queerguru interviewed founder Lyall Hakaraia about his iconic East End queer club VFD back in 2018  : check HERE)

During the course of the Exhibit, the Gallery will be hosting talks, and a walking tour to reflect Andrew’s life and work.

 

 

Fruit Machine: Andrew Lumsden Art & Activism – 
until Thursday, February 27, 20259:00 PM
VFD
66 Stoke Newington Road London,  N16 7X