Mindspace, boutique office space provider, celebrates inclusive, safe workplace environments for LGBTQ+ communities.
London-based artist, Gavin Dobson – “Bringing this to the workplace is invaluable as this is often the place where we can feel the least like we can be ourselves.”
[Image copyright – Boaz Arad]
This Pride, boutique flex workspace provider Mindspace, is illustrating the impact LGBTQ+ art can have on the workplace by transforming its Shoreditch communal areas into a unique art display.
The exhibition, which aims to celebrate and represent the LGBTQ+ community in the office, will see London-based artists KV Duong and Gavin Dobson display their work to Mindspace members from 30 June – 8 July at Mindspace’s Shoreditch location. The display pays tribute to Pride’s 2022 theme, Politics in Art; a reminder that history is often made through impassioned art, which bends existing socio-cultural norms and boundaries.
The display will be open to the public on 5 July from 6pm-8pm, allowing visitors to view and purchase the artwork, while enjoying a complimentary glass of fizz in celebration of Pride. Limited tickets are free and bookable on Eventbrite.
Mindspace has recruited the help of two respected LGBTQ+ artists to celebrate diversity through creation and individuality, and issue a timely reminder of the impact art can have when shifting culture, politics and beyond. The work will also be available to purchase during the two-week exhibition.
Dari Shechter, Mindspace VP of Creative and Design says: “Art has always been an essential part of our DNA. Our designers hand-pick every item on display from local artists, and combine these to create a space that tells a story and radiates a worldly feel. Artwork plays a large part in making a workplace unique, and in turn helps to inspire and motivate those working around it. That’s why we’ve always been huge advocates for a diverse and eclectic mix of work across our office spaces.
We’re incredibly proud of this exhibition and the artists behind these inspiring works. Representation is essential in the workplace and we’re very happy to be playing just a small part in making the office a more inclusive, diverse and motivating place to be.”
Vietnamese-born artist Duong’s series “Unhomely”, creates imagined landscapes using historic Vietnam War images superimposed with scenes of contemporary everyday life. The thinking behind the pieces is that the war trauma and integration correlate with the artist’s experience of coming out as a gay Asian man.
Duong said: “The traumatised surface of the final work responds to conflict and the altered effects of the original events of war migration and suppression of speech. I feel like these themes also run through the challenges of being part of the LGBTQ+ community – by us not always being able to voice who we are.”
“Diversity and representation is important in all aspects of society, but particularly in art because we need to leave behind a legacy of the LGBTQ+ culture and narrative for future generations to study and look up to. Having LGBTQ+ art represented in an environment like an office also helps to educate and create a safe learning space for all”, Duong continues. Gavin Dobson’s abstract works deal with queer desire and loneliness, and there is an interesting correlation in Gavin as the artist, discovering his own sexuality and others who feel the same.
One last squeeze – Gavin Dobson
Dobson said: “I think seeing people from your own community is always important. Especially within the LGBTQ+ community where suicide rates are still so high and often the resentment and rejection can be from within the social group whom you should actually feel safest with – your family, your peers and colleagues.
We’re taking huge strides forward but there is still a huge way to go, especially when you look beyond cosmopolitan cities and fields of employment beyond the arts. Art is the perfect tool to tackle and present diversity as I think it’s thoughtful and personal and allows a viewer to digest an idea at their own time and pace. Bringing this to the workplace is invaluable as this is often the place where we can feel the least like we can be ourselves.”
To book tickets to the open night visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mindspace-shoreditch-pride-gallery-open-night-tickets-375358004897
To find out more about Mindspace visit: https://www.mindspace.me/
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