Painting Archival Histories with Rudy Loewe (18-25)

As part of the ‘Uncovering the Archive’ series organised by Mayday Rooms, artist Rudy Loewe will speak about their encounters with the archive and what it means to foreground histories and personal stories of Black power, community organising, queer life and revolution through visual art.

This is an opportunity to think through visual art as a medium for interrogation, speculation and redressing of histories presumed to be invisible or absent. How can this practice speak back to the institutions implicated in decentering stories belonging to those who disobeyed, resisted and thrived against all odds?

There will be time at the end to ask Rudy questions about their practice. You are also welcome to explore the Feminist Library collections prior to the event from 11 am – 5 pm.

Rudy Loewe @rudyloewe is an artist visualising Black histories and social politics through painting, drawing and text. They began a Techne funded practice-based PhD at the University of the Arts London in 2021. This research critiques Britain’s role in suppressing Black Power in the English-speaking Caribbean, during the 60s and 70s. Loewe is creating paintings and drawings that unravel this history included in recently declassified Foreign & Commonwealth Office records.

Recent exhibitions include A Significant Threat, VITRINE Fitzrovia, London (2023); uMoya: the sacred return of lost things, Liverpool Biennial (2023); Unattributable Briefs: Act Two, Orleans House Gallery, London (2023); and Unattributable Briefs: Act One, Staffordshire St., London (2022).

Image: ‘Rudy Loewe, ‘The Old Devonshire Church Fire Bermuda’, 2022. Courtesy of Staffordshire St. Photography: Ben Deakin.’

‘Uncovering the Archive’ is a programme for young people (18-25) on archives and archiving developed by MayDay Rooms in collaboration with other radical spaces, groups and people in London.

For all events we provide snacks, refreshments and travel reimbursement of up to £5 to make it easier for you to attend!