#SoftLads

#SoftLads is a touring exhibition of five large pictorial tapestries that have been created by Oliver Bliss. The exhibition is complimented with an anthology of Worcester based poets responding to the themes of the work.

Historically, tapestries have helped to depict social scenes, events, and notable figures. The style of dress, the items around these figures would provide clues and symbols to a particular time and status. People depicted with tapestry perpetuate their gender and status through styles of clothing, and symbols of power and wealth to reflect who they are.

#SoftLads took two years to construct the five portraits of contemporary male tapestries. The tapestries explore facial and body tattoo portraits of men on Instagram celebrating how they curate themselves online. The work explores how and why these men use social media as a means of expressing their masculine identity and self.

During October 2021, the public were invited to take part in workshops at Henry Sandon Hall. Those who took part explored the themes within the tapestries to produce their own creative-writing responses. The workshops were run by Holly Winter-Hughes director of The Word Association. The Word Association specialise in facilitating writing workshops that result in publishing poetic and literary works created by their participants. They are committed to empowering under-represented and marginalised groups of people to explore their own feelings, concerns, and life experiences through the development of their writing skills. This resulted in an exhibition during SHOUT! A queer arts festival based in Brimingham. The work has since been presented at the Foyer Space of Henry Sandon Hall.

Reception: June 3, 2022 from 6 - 8pm

Oliver Bliss - Artist Activist

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