REFRACTED: REVIEW

Last night I was invited to a launch event of a brand new exhibition, this is, of course, Refracted. Which opened to the public today and is open until the 8th September. The exhibition is at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth and is commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality. That's right 50 years ago being gay was illegal, and ended in imprisonment and death. But this was only for men, as far as the law were concerned lesbians didn't exist. Got to throw some sexism in with the homophobia for good measure! So in 1967 'male relationships' were no longer illegal in England and Wales, but it wasn't until 1981 did this happen in Scotland and Northern Ireland. And it's important to remember that homosexuality is still illegal in 75 countries today and in 8 of them it's punishable by death.

Back to this beautiful exhibition, in which you can walk inbetween the lines of pride flag. Each wall is painted a colour of the flag, with every colour having a meaning. Pink for Sexuality, Red for Life, Orange for Healing, Yellow for Sunlight, Green for Nature, Turquoise for Magic & Art, Blue for Harmony & Serenity, and Violet for Spirit. And the paintings on each wall are connected to the meaning of the colour they are hanging on.

I went with my mumma, who loved the canapes!! Our favourite pieces were 'Painter and Model' by John Minton, 'Alethe, Attendant of the Sacred Ibis' by Edwin Londsden Long and 'The Birth of Venus' by George Spencer Watson.

I'm not saying much more as you have to see this stunning exhibition for yourself but it is a must see for any art lover and a beautiful celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community.

No1Blog will be back at the end of the month for the monthly review post as always, see you honeys then xo

Russell-Cotes website with all the information about the exhibition - http://russellcotes.com/