A gallery exhibit honouring the works of Guernsey-born artist David Robilliard opens this weekend, showing his work in his home island for the first time in many years.
Taking place in the Foyer & Greenhouse Gallery at Candie, Guernsey Museums claims Robilliard’s work “finally comes home” in a “bold tribute to a truly unique voice”.
Robilliard was born in Guernsey in 1952 and moved to London in 1975 with his friend Lester Queripel to pursue their poetic interests.
Robilliard’s career was taking off with his first art exhibition in 1984, however he contracted HIV and died in 1988 during the height of the UK’s AIDS epidemic.
There have been numerous exhibitions and publications since his death, but many in Guernsey have been unfamiliar with the Sarnian who sought success in the arts far from our shores.
Interest in his work has been renewed following the 2023 documentary ‘Life is Excellent’ presented by the actor Russell Tovey, which spotlighted Robilliard’s contribution to British art and the lack of recognition in his homeland.
Since then, Guernsey Museums & Galleries has been working to address this omission.
Now, having acquired eight works by Robilliard for its permanent collection, Mike Lowe, Museum Registrar and exhibition curator, said the new exhibit will put these works prominently on display in Guernsey.
“I’m really excited to finally be able to help share David Robilliard’s artwork and poetry with the island through this exhibition. This has very much been a labour of love over the last couple of years. Along the way it’s been amazing how many people have become involved in raising awareness of David on the island and how many people whose lives have been touched by his creativity have reached out and supported this,” he said.
“Aside from helping give David the local recognition he deserves, this exhibition is also about representation. As a young artist myself growing up on Guernsey in the 80’s and 90’s knowing about David and his work, his place in the LGBTQ+ community, the authenticity with which he lived his life and the resulting creative success he was able to achieve, would have been an inspiration. I hope that raising awareness of David’s work and life now can feel relevant to and inspire both the local LGBTQ+ community and young artists alike. I also hope that his honest and unapologetic reflections on love and emotions will appeal to everyone.”
Russ Fossey, Head of Arts Development at Guernsey Arts, added: “It is a privilege to be hosting David’s work in the Greenhouse Gallery. We applaud Guernsey Museums’ commitment in recognising David and acquiring these pieces for the people of Guernsey.”
‘David Robilliard: Welcome to the Friendly Isle’ opens on 18 October and will be open until the end of the year.
Entry is free for Discovery Pass holders.
LISTEN…
Mr Robilliard was previously the subject of a two-part feature Bailiwick Podcast. You can listen via the links below or wherever you get your podcasts…