On this week’s Hot List: from a fetish life drawing session set to a live electronic soundscape to the cult classic Liquid Sky, a talk with the founder of Face magazine, a performance night celebrating Leigh Bowery’s iconic queer club culture, and more. If you’re looking for something to do in the coming days, look no further—we’ve carefully curated a list of events, cutting through the noise to bring you the very best.
MAGAZINE LAUNCH
PICTURING THE SELF: A NICE MAGAZINE BY HANNA MOON
ICA
Charing Cross | 5 February 19:00
After a seven-year hiatus, this evening celebrates the return of A Nice Magazine by photographer Hanna Moon. Join Hanna Moon and creative director Gem Fletcher as they discuss the female gaze, self-portraiture and humour as methods of expression and vulnerability. Moon takes inspiration from artist Dorethea Tanning and early surrealist artists, bringing together photographers who use the camera as a tool for self-expression.
Here for all details and to book your tick.
LIFE DRAWING
ART CLUB WITH YIHAO
SUI GENESIS
Dalston | 6 February 19:30 - 23:00
Art Club is a monthly fetish life drawing session featuring a live electronic soundscape. This February we will be welcoming back the incredible DJ Angel Maze, alongside the groundbreaking drag performance artist Yihao who will be visiting us as part of their UK and European tour.
There will be a mixture of long and short poses. Some drawing materials including paper, drawing boards, charcoal and pencils will be provided.
Art Club is a queer, SWer led event. We do not tolerate homophobia, transphobia, racism, body-shaming, whorephobia, etc etc. Any disrespect towards the models/other guests will result in you being asked to leave immediately.
Tickets here.
EXHIBITION OPENING
FRUIT MACHINE: ANDREW LUMSDEN ART & ACTIVISM
VFD
Dalston | 6 February 18:00 - 21:00
A retrospective on Andrew Lumsden’s works, a London-based activist, founder of the Gay Liberation Front, pioneering queer journalist, and a talented artist working across a variety of mediums. A contemporary of Derek Jarman and David Hockney, Andrew Lumsden created a steady flow of artworks reflecting his life as an activist, traveller and lover.
Here for all details.
Also check out the following events as part of this exhibition:
Andrew Lumsden Activist - Talk with Dan de la Motte and Stuart Feather on 11 February
Andrew Lumsden Journalist - Talk with Dan de la Motte and Graham McKerrow on 18 February
Queer Hackney History Walk on 15 February
FILM
TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A.
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
Covent Garden | 7 February 14:45
A 1985 American neo-noir action thriller film directed by William Friedkin. When his longtime partner on the force is killed, reckless U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William L. Petersen) vows revenge, setting out to nab dangerous counterfeit artist Eric Masters (Willem Dafoe). Along with his new, straitlaced partner, John Vukovich (John Pankow), Chance sets up a scheme to entrap Masters, resulting in the accidental death of an undercover officer. As Chance's desire for justice becomes an obsession, Vukovich questions the lawless methods he employs.
Get your tickets here.
FILM
KINOMAD X THE GREY PRESENT: LIQUID SKY
THE VICTORIA DALSTON
Dalston | 12 February 18:30
Join us for an evening of film and conversation exploring the intersection of fashion and gender with a screening of Liquid Sky, a cult masterpice fusing sci-fi, counterculture, and avant-garde fashion.
Kinomad is a collective dedicated to showcasing unconventional cinema to educate, provoke, and inspire. Founded to disrupt the mainstream fashion media, The Grey is a magazine that challenges the industry’s exclusivity, classism, and shallow narratives.
Book your tickets here.
ART PERFORMANCES
FAIRYTALE IN A DARK, OMNIPRESENT POOL OF WATER
HOXTON ARCHES
Hackney | 13 February 18:00 - 22:00
An evening of contemporary art performances, where creativity meets community. In debut collaboration with Mare Street Market, the night continues with a DJ and food discounts for ticket holders. Darkpool Water presents the second variation of Fairytale in a Dark, Omnipresent Pool of Water in collaboration with Mare Street Market Hackney. The evening will continue at Mare Street Market hackney, with a DJ special and discount on food and drink with every ticket bought.
Secure your tickets now.
LUNCHTIME CONVERSATION
BEHIND THE SCENE OF THE FACE MAGAZINE
THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
Leicester Square | 20 February 12:00 - 13:00
Join Nick Logan, the founder of The Face magazine, and Neville Brody, the magazine’s first art director, as they discuss how the magazine began and came to significantly impact the arts, music and fashion. The event will be chaired by award-winning journalist Kathryn Flett, former features and fashion editor at The Face.
Hear behind-the-scenes stories about the early days of The Face, the 1980s, what times were like socially and politically, and how impactful The Face continues to be to contemporary culture.
All info and tickets to purchase here.
THEATRE
A KNOCK ON THE ROOF
ROYAL COURT THEATRE
Sloane Square | 21 February - 8 March
Mariam knows the army often drops small warning bombs – a knock on the roof – giving tenants in Gaza 5-15 minutes to evacuate before their home is destroyed.
With dry wit and determination, Mariam meticulously rehearses for the run of her life, deliberating what – and who- she can take with her.
Written by and starring Khawla Ibraheem, this unforgettable new play about obsession, survival and everyday life in Gaza is directed and developed by Obie Award winner Oliver Butler, coming to the Royal Court direct from an Off-Broadway run.
Book your tickets here.
PERFORMANCE
AFTER TABOO RON ATHEY AND POULOMI DESAI
TATE MODERN
Southbank | 1 March 19:00 - 21:30
After Taboo takes inspiration from the fearless spirit of Leigh Bowery. This event brings together boundary-defying self-taught artists Poulomi Desai and Ron Athey (in collaboration with Hermes Pittakos) for a night of performances in Tate Modern's underground Tank. Celebrate the power of art to challenge and overturn social norms.
Join for an afterparty in the Corner with DJs drawn from London’s queer club cultures.
Book your tickets early to avoid missing out.
