The Lovers sees internationally renowned artist Sunil Gupta present his critically acclaimed photographic series, Lovers: Ten Years On (1984/85), alongside a new body of work produced with artist and husband Charan Singh, titled Lovers, Revisited (2023/2024). Created 40 years apart, both collections depict LGBTQIA+ couples, as directed by the sitters, photographed in their homes.
This new exhibition at New Art Exchange marks nearly four decades since the 28 black-and-white Lovers photographs have been seen together in their entirety – the collection has only been exhibited once, back in 1985. Juxtaposed against the 12 new works from Lovers Revisited, the timing of this exhibition goes beyond a celebration of the original series milestone to act as a reminder of the past and the ongoing struggle for visibility for LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly in a time when the UK grows less safe for queer people. The Lovers stand as both a celebration of the past and a vital reminder of the need for continued advocacy and representation in the face of ongoing challenges.
Click here for the New Art Exchange website.