ICA is closed from the 30 May – 3 June inclusive.
16 February – 22 May 2022
Artist Bios
Full decriminalisation of sex work is the rallying cry that unites the sex worker rights movement across the world. Under this banner, sex workers and their allies have fought tirelessly for strong workers’ rights, an end to exploitation, an end to criminalisation, and real measures to address poverty. Decriminalised Futures is a celebration of this movement. This exhibition is a testament to what can be created when we use this movement as our inspiration; when we take politicised sex worker organising as our starting point.
‘An urgent and vital call to action.’
Decriminalised Futures is a group exhibition featuring thirteen international artists whose work speaks to the multiplicity of contemporary sex worker experiences.
The exhibition highlights the history of the sex worker rights movement and its inextricable links to issues of racial and social justice, migrant rights, labour rights, anti-austerity work, and queer and trans liberation.
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The works in the exhibition – comprising ten distinct projects from the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the United States – include moving image, embroidery, linocut prints, bookmaking, writing, drawing, gaming and sculpture.
Through an interdisciplinary approach, themes of sacred space, mental health, gender, racial justice, joy, pain, disability, tenderness and desire become tools for solidarity and elicit conversations rooted in the imaginaries of a decriminalised future.
Decriminalised Futures features works from Tobi Adebajo, Khaleb Brooks, Chi Chi Castillo and May May Peltier, Cory Cocktail, Hanecdote, Liad Hussein Kantorowicz, Letizia Miro and Yarli Allison, Aisha Mirza, Annie Mok, pxr•mxt•r, and Danica Anna Uskert-Quinn.
Alongside the exhibition, the ICA will host a programme of events curated by Decriminalised Futures.
A chapbook containing documentation of the exhibited works alongside texts and quotes from the panel discussions at SWARM’s 2019 festival will be published alongside the exhibition.
Artist Bios
This exhibition was developed with support from project partners Arika and with funding from Open Society Foundations. Visit the Decriminalised Futures website to learn more about the wider project this exhibition is a part of.
Main image: Khaleb Brooks, The Session, lino print, 2020
Ticket information
- All tickets that do not require ID (full price, disabled, income support) can be printed at home or stored in email
- For aged-based concession tickets (under 25, student and pensioner) please bring relevant ID to collect at the front desk before the event.
Open to the public from 12 – 9pm, Tuesday – Sunday
Book by phone 020 7930 3647 or email sales@ica.art
Programme
Until 22 May
Three sex worker-made films from Brazil, Thailand and Germany, all available to stream online.
Until 22 May
Recordings from an evening of poetry concerning power and pleasure with six contemporary writers: Paige Murphy, Cassandra Troyan, Aisha Mirza, Mercedes Eng, Irene Silt and Maya Martinez.
Saturday 21 May
Embroidery online workshop hosted by artist Hanecdote.
Past Programme
Wednesday 2 March
A triple-bill screening of international sex worker-made films from Brazil, Thailand and Germany with an introduction by sex worker activist, artist and filmmaker Cass Traitor.
Thursday 3 March & Friday 1 April
Co-Curator Yves Sanglante gives a 45-minute overview of the exhibition, introducing the artists’ work and discussing creativity as a tool to explore topics that impact the lives of sex workers.
Thursday 7 April
Decriminalised Futures invite East London Strippers Collective to lead their life drawing class.
Wednesday 13 April
An evening of poetry concerning power and pleasure with six contemporary writers: Paige Murphy, Cassandra Troyan, Aisha Mirza, Mercedes Eng, Irene Silt and Maya Martinez.
Wednesday 4 May
Co-Curator Elio Sea gives a tour that speaks to the wider context of the exhibition and its connection to different organising contexts and struggles.
Ticket Prices
£5, free for ICA Members & every Tuesday
Free exhibition entry with every ticket to the Cinema or Theatre
Free for visitors where ticket prices are a barrier (contact access@ica.art or 020 7930 3647)
Venue Access
Limited step-free access to the Upper Gallery. See here for how to get around the building.
Content Warning
The exhibition contains content of a sexual nature, nudity, and depictions of violence. Parental or guardian discretion is advised.
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Exhibition Guide
no. 236848.