- Venue
- Autograph
- Date
- Thursday, July 6, 2023
06:00 PM - Address
- Rivington Place London EC2A 3BA, UK
- Location
- London
- Organiser
- Autograph
Find out more and book tickets on Autograph’s website
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty. Since 1979, this irreverent and flamboyant order of queer drag nuns have devoted themselves to community service, ministry and outreach to LGBT*IQA people, promoting human rights, HIV/AIDS activism and sex positivity.
Sr Polly Amarosa of the Blessed Merci Beau Cul and Bona Aris, assisted by Mother Mandragora (Salacious in Purple), will manifest at Autograph to perform a ceremony of sparkle and fun as part of Ajamu’s exhibition The Patron Saint of Darkrooms. A year on from his sainting at the site of the Gemini Club in Huddersfield, they will reaffirm him as The Patron Saint of Darkrooms in recognition of his long career at the forefront of genderqueer photography – liberating representations of the black queer body. The ceremony invites participation and will be scripted in the Sisters’ traditional camp and passionate fashion; infused with smatterings of Polari, blessings and affirmations.
After the performance, Ajamu will be in conversation with artists Myah Jeffers, Alexander Ikhide and Abel Holsborough. Their conversation will reflect on Ajamu’s life, work and the cultural artifacts that have sustained him, including Soft Cell’s Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret (1981), an album that provided a locus of hope for so many young, queer people. We’ll discuss how Ajamu’s journey resonates with generations of creatives, and what relics and memorabilia they take with them.
This event will take place in Autograph’s Studio, and only a very limited number of tickets are available to ensure the best possible experience for everyone. Want to see Ajamu’s exhibition? It’s free, and the gallery will be open both before and after the event.
The ticket price for this event is £5. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If this ticket price is unaffordable for you please get in touch with Roshi at [email protected] about free ticketing options.
