Politicorgy

Orgies can be represented as the excessive, with a sense of freedom in the

act that is bound by no rules other than the physicality of it. The attraction

to orgies is to celebrate sexuality and freedom that isn’t restricted to just

two people. Is this an act of defiance against the (accepted) couples and

coupling? Could this be regarded as an economy of intimacy between

people?

Politically, false promises lead to the public having no trust in governments.

Lack of accountability is prominent whilst blaming opposing sides for their

misfortunes. From public cuts to reduction in immigration to energy crises.

Populist movement surfaces as a result of weakness of ethics in political

parties while they indulge in the protection of their self validated roles. Is

the political battle between parties nothing but a collective/group act, a

dance/performance between the parties for our entertainment without

achieving anything of use to the public?

As an individual, we wear (not pandemic related) masks on a daily basis,

never revealing our true selves. We perform many acts from the moment

we leave our homes to the moment we go to bed. We do not reveal our

true nature at work. We follow a certain code of conduct. We perform as

commuters, as consumers, as family members and as friends.

The paintings encapsulate transformations from 1.Physical Act-> 2.digital

image ->3.painting

Politicorgy is a performance for the viewer, encompassing sex, desire,

disappearance of the individual and representation of political dis-(order)

that we live in.

About Bashar Ali

Bashar Ali is a self-taught artist and writer born in Baghdad but spent his

childhood in Algeria before moving to London where he now calls home.

His work is driven by Identity, be it physical, virtual, political or

psychological as he questions what it is to have different countries to call

home, what it is to be a gay man who is part of a community, what it is to

have a different language as mother tongue? Ultimately, he is searching for

what it is to be an individual with an ever-changing society.

The latest works are focused on the so-called idea of masculinity and

identity portrayed through online activities, be it from gay dating apps,

social media or adult sites and repurpose them to tell a particular story

reflecting current environment.

He is also interested in the transformation of images that one sees on

mobile phones to create something that’s many times bigger and see

whether anything is gained or lost by enlarging these images whilst

creating a particular narrative during that transformation.

He was a set designer for Brazil Diversity Theatre, bringing together

Brazilian and non-Brazilian artists, committed to fighting for LGBT+

rights around the world. He also had a solo show at Someth1ng Gallery to

coincide with Pride dealing specifically with Grindr selfies.

Please note: there is explicit imagery in this exhibition and not recommended for children.