TL;DR
- Virgin X and Matt Ford launch charity art sale for Gaza.
- The sale features provocative latex-laced imagery.
- Funds support community-led projects in Gaza.
- Prices range from £100 to £500.
- Virgin X advocates for freedom and social justice.
In a dazzling display of creativity and compassion, drag legend Virgin X is teaming up with photographer Matt Ford to launch a charity fine art print sale aimed at raising funds for Gaza. Kicking off on April 20, this provocative collection features a series of striking, queer, latex-laced images that blend the worlds of drag, religion, and subversive glamour. Talk about a fierce fusion!
The sale will be hosted exclusively on Matt Ford’s studio website, showcasing five photographic prints and four limited-edition Polaroids, all signed by the photographer himself. Prices will range from £100 to £500, making it a chic way to contribute to a worthy cause. All proceeds will go to All Our Relations, an organization dedicated to supporting 21 families and community-led aid projects in Gaza.
Virgin X, known for their hit single ‘Billionaires’ and a legendary presence in the queer London nightlife scene, has a history of fundraising for Palestinian individuals and families, raising tens of thousands of pounds in the past. In a recent news release, they passionately addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating, “We cannot not care until Palestine is truly free.” With the situation escalating since the outbreak of war in October 2023, Virgin X emphasizes that the need for help in Gaza remains critical.
“Gaza has been the victim of a genocide paid for by western taxes,” Virgin X continued, highlighting the often-overlooked plight of the Palestinian people. “Any pushback I’ve received for supporting Gaza as a queer performer is irrelevant. I am a queer artist who believes in freedom for everyone, so I am both an advocate and an ally to all oppressed and marginalized people in the world.”
The charity sale is not just about selling art; it’s about using the power of creativity to inspire change. Accompanied by two promotional videos, Virgin X discusses their friendship with Ford and their commitment to advocacy. “I’ve just been trying to use my voice to help people who need it,” they said, underlining the role of artists in social justice.
Drawing from their own experiences as a queer individual facing scrutiny, Virgin X feels a deep connection to the fight for rights across the globe. “I don’t consider myself to be an activist. I consider myself to be an artist, and I think the purpose of art is to move something, change something, disrupt something,” they explained. “Within that paradigm, activism and social justice lies.”
As part of their ongoing efforts, Virgin X recently released a poem titled Jesus Was From Palestine, which they say has reshaped their perspective as a drag artist. This powerful piece connects them with Palestinians worldwide, reinforcing the importance of charity initiatives like this art sale.
So, if you’re looking to add some fabulous art to your collection while supporting a vital cause, mark your calendars for April 20. This is your chance to own a piece of art that not only dazzles the eye but also makes a difference in the lives of those in need. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to combine style with substance!