Sharif Persaud, Autograph

Exhibition extended: 28 February – 28 August 2021

Autograph, London

Project Art Works are pleased to announce that Sharif Persaud has his first solo exhibition at Autograph, an EXPLORERS project co-commission. The exhibition, which originally opened in 2020, includes drawings and large scale paintings as well as a screening of his film The Mask.

Autograph event, Collective and interdependent approaches to art making – Thursday 12th August How can collective approaches support the artistic practices of neurodiverse people? And how can supporting marginalised artists make a difference to individuals and communities? Chaired by Ali Eisa, speakers include Tim Corrigan, Anna Farley, Sonia Boué and Thompson Hall. Book your free space here.

Sharif has had a long association with Project Art Works and been a key contributor to much of PAW’s recent output, including several film projects.Placing himself at the centre of his work, Sharif explores identity through his experience of life and autism.

Sharif Persaud: Have You Ever Had is the culmination of the three-year EXPLORERS Project. Set against a backdrop of increased hardship and marginalisation of vulnerable people, the EXPLORERS Project celebrates and raises awareness of the dynamic, extraordinary contribution neurodiverse communities make to art and culture. Mark Sealy, exhibition curator and Director of Autograph, said: “Autograph believes that visual representation is a powerful force for change, and we are delighted to host the first solo exhibition of Sharif Persaud’s work. Have You Ever Hadcelebrates Sharif’s artistic vision, and aims to challenge the historic lack of neurodiverse representation in cultural institutions.”

 Kate Adams, Artist Director and CEO of Project Art Works: “Sharif Persaud’s particular and powerfully direct way of communicating with others can be found within this body of work. His highly evolved narrative voice provides a rich and distinct perspective on familiar social and dramatic constructs. Have You Ever Had is the result of a progressive and open collaboration between organisations and people that shifts the balance of visibility and representation in art and culture. It is, hopefully, just the beginning.”

 The EXPLORERS Project is informed and led by neurodiverse communities, in collaboration with cultural organisations across the UK and in Australia including Autograph, Tate Liverpool, MK Gallery, De La Warr Pavilion, Fabrica, Photoworks and the National Institute for Experimental Arts UNSW.

Visit Autograph for more information.

artsawardsproject.com

EXPLORERS is supported though an ACE Ambition for Excellence grant awarded to Project Art Works and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.