nightsweats

About

Loosely inspired by Thom Gunn's book of poetry "The Man With Night Sweats" (1992), the exhibition presents a series of homoerotic digital paintings made by the artist on a trip to New York and New Jersey in the summer 2018.

The series is bold and fiery, primarily in orange, red, purple and blue, exploring the depths of homoeroticism in the heat of the night. Each work begins as a handmade drawing on Vandame's iPhone and then digitally printed and stretched on canvas, in a style combining drawing, painting, printmaking and new technology. Drawing from American post-war painters including Mark Rothko and De Kooning, the works continue Vandame's interest in abstraction and figuration, touch, and new forms of expression to represent queer intimacy today.

In lieu of an opening, Vandame will be hosting a socially distanced evening of poetry and BBQ to celebrate Thom Gunn's birthday on 29 August 2020 from 6 to 9pm, featuring readings from 7 to 8pm and the launch of a zine with original poetry, text, and art. If you would like to come please email nightsweats20@gmail.com 

The exhibition will be open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 12-6 pm and by appointment only. There will also be a curated selection of books and literature by Thom Gunn to enjoy alongside the exhibition.

Many thanks to the Estate of Thom Gunn for supporting this exhibition and publication.