What does ‘home’ mean to you? It’s a tricky question.
Is it the place we begin? The place we dwell, find safety and comfort? The place we run away from, and return to, if we can?
Can we consider our bodies a ‘home’? After all, they are home to our thoughts, feelings desires and identities.
It’s these questions that actor, Talk Art podcast host, and champion of contemporary art, Russell Tovey is trying to answer. In celebration of his City Lit Lifetime Fellowship Award, he’s curated an exhibition in the City Lit Gallery exploring the concept of the home.
‘Home’ is a place of belonging
‘Home’ brings together works from across the City Lit Art School. It incorporates many diverse art disciplines, such as paintings, screenprints, sculptures and mixed media installations.
The exhibition also coincides with this year’s Pride Month. As such, work from both LGBTQIA+ artists and allies were selected. Many of the artists are also current City Lit students, or those who learned here and have gone on to become established practitioners in their own right.
‘Home’ embodies the spirit of City Lit; it brings people together to celebrate diversity and individuality through the art. The exhibition clearly offers artists the freedom to express themselves authentically. But while each piece is unique, a powerful sense of belonging and acceptance resonates throughout the collection.
Opening the Exhibition
The exhibition opened on June 4th with a private viewing. Russell Tovey joined many of the artists in what was a brilliant celebration of art and creativity.
Exhibition Coordinator and City Lit tutor Ian Tucknott worked closely with Russell in putting ‘Home’ together. “Russell has assembled an eclectic and inclusive show that is full of passion, diversity and authenticity,” he told us.
“His exhibition presents us with the possibility we all have, to create spaces and opportunities for anybody, regardless of their identity and heritage, to feel welcome and accepted,” he continued.
“On behalf of City Lit, I thank Russell for his kindness, generosity of time and creativity, and his support of our fledgling artists".
‘Home’ is available to view for free from 5th June – 16th June in the City Lit Gallery.
Lifetime Fellowship Award
The celebrations continued on Friday 13th June, when Russell returned to City Lit for a special ‘In Conversation’ event to mark the awarding of his City Lit Lifetime Fellowship. In front of a packed audience, he spoke with Principal Mark Malcomson about his career, his passion for contemporary art, and the importance of making creativity accessible to everyone.
The conversation offered an insight into the ideas behind the Home exhibition, as well as a preview of Russell’s forthcoming Talk Art book for children.
Following the talk, guests were invited to a drinks reception in the City Lit Gallery, where they had the opportunity to explore the Home exhibition and meet some of the artists involved. The evening concluded with a book signing of Talk Art: Everything You Wanted to Know About Contemporary Art But Were Afraid to Ask.
We are proud to welcome Russell Tovey as a City Lit Fellow and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening.
Study Art and Design at City Lit
If you’re interested in art and want to see your work in our City Lit Gallery one day, consider one of our Art and Design courses. If you’re a complete beginner or an already-practising artist, there’s a course for you in the City Lit Art School.
