SHP Client Artwork Showcased at Christie's

Two of SHP's clients had their artwork exhibited at the prestigious Christie's showroom in South Kensington last week, as part of the Cafe Art project. This unique 'pop-up' art exhibition represented artwork by artists from London's homelessness charities to provide an opportunity to showcase the hidden talent and creativity of an often overlooked group.

Thanks to the generosity of Christie's, the world’s leading art business, this exhibition offered a chance to raise public awareness of homelessness as well as support people on their path to recovery. The drawings on show represent just a small proportion of the artworks currently on display to the general public at 25 cafes around London, through Cafe Art, a new community arts project launched this year for homeless people.

Gwen’s artwork depicts a soldier carrying flowers instead of a gun, which challenges preconceptions and shows vulnerability – especially when contrasted with the bright red blood splattered across the image. Naomi’s work, Flame, a bold and intricate embroidered portrait  evokes a flurry of emotions as the figure is both consumed and born from the flames.

Gwen said, "I worked on Soldier at the Thursday afternoon art workshops [at SHP]. I am proud to have my work shown at Christie’s – though I have been so busy preparing to dance in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics, that I haven’t had a chance to go and see it!"

SHP's Arts Programme works in partnership with education providers, creative professionals and arts organisations to develop bespoke arts-based projects, helping clients such as Gwen and Naomi to grow in confidence, and reducing isolation through developing social networks.

SHP Arts Development Manager Mark Bracegirdle said: “The vast majority of artists don’t get close to being shown in Christie’s, so it’s great that Gwen and Naomi  are being given this opportunity and it will be exciting to watch how they develop their art from here after such an encouraging invite.”

Another exciting pop-up exhibition is currently being finalised with The Saatchi Gallery, so watch this space for more details.

Below left: Soldier by Gwen, Below right: Flame by Naomi