Retrospective: Croydon's Biggest Ever Art Launch

Retrospective: Croydon’s Biggest Ever Art Launch – Living Free Art Collective

November 10, 2015

Hark1karan - Living Free Art Collective - Croydon's Biggest Ever Art Launch - Taken by Fluid4Sight

Introduction

We take a retrospective look back at Croydon’s biggest ever art launch and exhibition. The Living Free Art Collective held their debut exhibition from the 6th of October to the 1st of November, with the launch party on the 7th of October. The collective is made up of (details and profiles here) Hark1karan, Vega, Alec Saunders aka Colourblind, Anjali Barot, Danny Sloff Hedges, Nahwand Jaff, Priya Barot, Lee Fairweather, Grace Humphreys and Leon Bartholomew. Support from associate members Oliver Sudden, Mike Lawse, Darren Christopher Randon, Michael Balamwezi, Joan and Brgr & Beer.

Overview, community and impact

The aim of the collective is to create passionate and meaningful art in various forms, to inspire, to share, to bring the community together, to be inclusive, and to create opportunities for local talent and beyond.

What stood out was the quality and diversity of the art, poetry, photography and film on show. The viewer was offered an array of expressions and messages. The artists freedom to create without compromise and come together is what makes the collective unique. The sense of humanity and honesty in all the work draws the viewer in. It’s also a statement of individuality and unity all at once.

The launch itself was a cultural celebration bringing together 350-400 people from Croydon, central London and many places beyond. There was art, poetry, spoken word, photography, music, a film screening, a raffle, burgers and drinks. Much of the feedback has been that they didn’t know events like this took place in Croydon. Others also highlighted the energy they felt at Matthews Yard that night. Many left inspired and proud. A common unity brought everyone together for a special occasion. (As you’ll see below)

Our collaboration painting raised £121.50 for charity. All money goes to SEWAC to feed the homeless, elderly and vulnerable in Croydon. Thanks to all those who bought a raffle ticket. More on this to follow in the future.

Thank you

A message from the Living Free Art Collective

We all want to say a massive THANK YOU for coming to support us and Croydon. We’ve all put in a lot of hard work over the last few months. We were truly overwhelmed by the love shown to us. Events like this only work when we ALL come together. It was a true representation of the WHOLE of Croydon. It was the biggest ever art exhibition launch in Croydon.

Thanks Alec Saunders, Anjali Barot, Priya Barot, James Powell, Grace Humphreys, Leon Bartholomew, Danny Sloff Hedges, Lee Fairweather, Nahwand Jaff, Oliver Sudden, Michael Lawse, Darren Randon & Michael Balamwezi.

Thanks to Rob – Fluid4Sight for capturing launch. Enjoy his photography after our artwork. Thanks to the following for supporting our movement. Brgr&Beer, Leoni Descartes (descART.es), Matthews Yard and ALL the other people you know who you are. We love you all.

Follow us on Instagram – @LivingFreeCollective

Priya Barot

Title: What Are You Waiting For?
Info: Acrylics, 76x76cm
Price: £145

Title: Persian Babe
Info: Acrylics, 80x60cm
Price: £175

Title: Pongo
Info: Acrylics, 76x76cm
Price: Sold

Title: Sink or Swim
Info: Acrylics, 80x60cm
Price: Sold

Title: Gorilla
Info: Acrylics, 80x60cm
Price:

Anjali Barot

Title: Simplifying Stars
Info: Framed Poetry
Price: £15

Title: Drums
Info: Framed Poetry
Price: £15

Title: Kardashian Worship
Info: Framed Poetry
Price: £10

Title: Opposite Worlds
Info: Framed Poetry
Price: £10

Living Free Art Collective - Anjali Barot - The 6 o'clock news (1)

Title: The 6’o clock news
Info: Framed Poetry
Price: £7

Danny Sloff Hedges

Title: Pink Frost
Info:
Price: Sold

Title: Sunburst
Info:
Price: £250

Title: Skylight
Info:
Price: £220

Title: Butterfly (Top), Mirrors (Middle), Tribal (Bottom)
Info: Canvas Prints
Price: £120 (Each)

Alec Saunders aka Colourblind

Title: Red October Ink
Info: Ink and Glass
Price: Sold

Title: Red October
Info: Mix Media Collage – Leather, Wood, Metal, Spray Paint
Price: £500

Living Free Art Collective - Alec Saunders - Colourblind — Photo taken by Ross Andrews

Title: Colourblind
Info: Wood, Metal, X-Rays, Lights.
Price: £1250

Title: American Dream
Info: Mixed Media
Price: £1000

Title: Neon Skull
Info: Found Ram Skull, Spray Paints and Ink
Price: £350 includes box

Title: Garry Portrait
Info: Mixed Media
Price: Sold

Title: Heartbreak Kid
Info: Mixed Media
Price: Sold

Title: Mon£y Th£ Rout£ of All £vil
Info: Mixed Media
Price: £1000

Title: Urban Fox
Info: Mixed Media
Price: £750

Vega

Title: Lust: The Loss of Innocence 2015
Info: Acrylic on canvas, 65x90cm
Price: £POA

Title: Perception: Primal Scream 2015
Info: Acrylic on canvas, 50x40cm
Price: £POA

Title: 7 UP
Info: Marker & Fine Liner on 130gsm paper (A4)
Price: £POA

Title: Mind, Body, Soul Collection 2015 (Left to Right)
Info: Acrylic on canvas, 50x40cm (each)
Price: £POA

Title: The End Days Series: The Misfit
Info: Acrylic on canvas, 90x90cm
Price: £POA

Title: No Pain Like This Body 001 – 2015
Info: Acrylic on canvas, 50x40cm
Price: £POA

Title: Pulse of The Maggots 2015
Info: Size-XL Acrylic Handpainted on Polyester
Price: £210

Title: Rise: The Rebirth 2015
Info: Size-L Acrylic Handpainted on Polyester
Price: £200

Grace Humphreys

Title: Rise: 360 Degrees
Info:
Price: N/A

Collaboration Painting

Title: Dark Side of the 7
Info: Living Free Art Collective – Sloff, Colourblind, Vega, Priya Barot & Hark1karan – Mixed Media
Price: Raffle tickets were £1 at the launch party – £121.50 was raised for charity.