ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Flare-Up at Goldsmiths CCA Rethinks Crip Aesthetics and Disability

exhibition · 2026-05-22

Goldsmiths CCA in London presents 'Flare-Up', an exhibition curated by Natasha Hoare and Mariana Lemos that rethinks the aesthetics of illness and disability through crip strategies. The show features works by Derek Jarman, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Abi Palmer, Jamila Prowse, JJJJJerome Ellis, Christine Sun Kim, RA Walden, Bella Milroy, Angela de la Cruz, Lizzy Rose, and the collective Freestylers. Key works include Palmer's 'Chic Slug' (2024), Gonzalez-Torres's 'Untitled' (Chemo) (1991), and Prowse's 'Flare' (2025). The exhibition addresses the paucity of language for disability experiences, intersecting with poverty and isolation. It includes creative captioning and audio descriptions, and highlights the UK government's cuts to Access to Work and PIP. The show runs until 16 August 2026.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'Flare-Up' at Goldsmiths CCA, London, until 16 August 2026
  • Curated by Natasha Hoare and Mariana Lemos
  • Features Derek Jarman, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Abi Palmer, Jamila Prowse, JJJJJerome Ellis, Christine Sun Kim, RA Walden, Bella Milroy, Angela de la Cruz, Lizzy Rose, Freestylers
  • Includes works: 'Chic Slug' (2024), 'Untitled' (Chemo) (1991), 'Flare' (2025), 'The Clearing' (2021), 'Close Readings' (2015), 'Transfer (Ivory)' (2011)
  • Addresses UK government cuts to Access to Work and Personal Independence Payment
  • Largest institutional exhibition in London covering crip themes
  • Exhibition includes creative audio descriptions and adjustments for accessibility
  • Lizzy Rose co-created the Access Toolkit for Artists with Leah Clements and Alice Hattrick

Entities

Artists

  • Derek Jarman
  • Felix Gonzalez-Torres
  • Abi Palmer
  • Jamila Prowse
  • JJJJJerome Ellis
  • Christine Sun Kim
  • RA Walden
  • Bella Milroy
  • Angela de la Cruz
  • Lizzy Rose
  • Leah Clements
  • Alice Hattrick
  • Freestylers
  • Benoît Peron
  • Nan Goldin
  • Mariana Lemos
  • Natasha Hoare
  • Benoît Piéron

Institutions

  • Goldsmiths CCA
  • Department of Work and Pensions
  • Florence Knoll
  • Robin Day
  • CCA Goldsmiths
  • Department for Work and Pensions

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources