Report by Pippa Brooks

For the Love of Saint Sebastian…

Manko and Espira are curating a show and programme of events in July at London’s Horse Hospital, called Arrows of Desire, celebrating and exploring Saint Sebastian. Thirty contemporary artists re-interpret the saint, in a two week run during London’s Pride celebrations.

Manko, who created the model-owned artmodelcollective.com, adores the seductive saint, and chose artists exploring Saint Sebastian through universal themes of sex, religion and persecution, focused around an LGBTQ+/ BDSM narrative. The saint has long held a fascination for artists, from his original religious context as an early Christian martyr, through to his androgynous eroticism as a gay icon. As well as the permanent exhibition, featuring, amongst others, artist and tattooist Henry Hate (pictured), there will be screenings of Derek Jarman’s Sebastiane and a life drawing session.

Friday 5th July - Saturday 20th July 2019

Monday - Saturday 12 - 6pm

The Horse Hospital

Colonnade

Bloomsbury

London WC1N 1JD

+44(0)207 833 3644

Instagram @thehorsehospital