JAMIE REID XXXXX: 50 YEARS OF SUBVERSION AND THE SPIRIT
Jamie Reid XXXXX: 50 Years of Subversion and the Spirit, is a retrospective look at the British artist and activist’s work and life of rebelling against society’s social and cultural injustices. Spanning a career of over 50 years, Reid has become synonymous with the spirit of British punk with his signature newspaper-cutting graphics. This will be the first major look at the artist’s work filling three floors of the Hull gallery including his iconic album artwork for the Sex Pistols, unseen archival works and newly realised pieces embracing spirituality and nature.
The exhibition will showcase a variety of material from the 1970s to the present day. Displaying collage, drawings, paintings, prints, poster editions and photographs, XXXXX: 50 Years of Subversion and the Sprit will demonstrate Reid’s witty delivery and continued dedication in making a statement through art. He also returns to symbols such as Boudicca, the Oak Leaf, and Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, presenting them in new contexts relating to current issues, whilst his recent paintings reflect the artists embrace of spirituality and nature.
Reid is best known for exposing and protesting modern society’s social and cultural injustices. From his collaboration on the Suburban Press (1971-1975) to his poignant support of recent movements such as Occupy London, Reid’s work is as relevant today as it has ever been. He actively speaks out against current issues and in 2012 became involved with Russian feminist protest punk group, Pussy Riot by creating a poster in response to their imprisonment.
Free Pussy Riot, 2012/2018, Digital print on paper, 594x420mm. Courtesy John Marchant Gallery.
Humber Street Gallery was opened in February last year by the company behind Hull’s year as UK City of Culture. As well as continuing to run the gallery, the company, now renamed Absolutely Cultured, commissions and produces a programme of large-scale, compelling projects and events and works strategically with partners both inside the city and across the North, UK and internationally to cement Hull’s reputation as a centre for culture and creativity.
Creative Director and CEO of Absolutely Cultured, Katy Fuller, said: We’re really proud to be hosting Jamie Reid’s first major UK retrospective. The exhibition will fill the gallery’s three floors and is a great example of how we’re building on the catalyst of Hull UK City of Culture 2017. The exhibition and accompanying series of public events will spark discussion and debate amongst visitors of all ages and draw an audience from outside the city as well as the local residents who regularly visit Humber Street Gallery.’
Alongside the exhibition, Humber Street Gallery has programmed a series of events that explore themes relevant to the artist’s anarchist life and work. In Gallery 1 audiences will be able to Cut & Paste their own anarchist zines inside one of Reid’s shamanistic tents, which have been adorned with print motifs that stem from his interest in shelter, wonderment, harmony, peace, beauty and community. On 13 October, Jamie Reid in Conversation will see the artist and guest curator John Marchant discuss his enduring career and the inspiration behind some of his more politically motivated works of art. Visitors are invited to challenge their knowledge of punk during Subversion and Spirit Quiz Night (1 November), a quiz covering 1970s punk design, fashion and music. Make Noise (6 December), a Hull-based female music collective and activist group will further explore Reid’s 50 years of anarchism and political activism with an evening of discussion, spoken word, live music and DJ sets.
Exhibition Dates: 12 October 2018 – 6 January 2019
