Sharif Persaud: Have You Ever Had

Placing himself at the centre of his work, Sharif Persaud explores identity through his experience of contemporary life and autism.

He is profoundly interested in his body in society as a site of investigation: sneezing, healthcare, hospitals, gangrene, cities, flats, benefits and his independence. Persaud questions his audience about their experiences and body - have you ever had? This is Persaud's first solo exhibition, featuring his drawings, large paintings and award-winning short film The Mask.

Have You Ever Had is the culmination of the UK-wide EXPLORERS Project, highlighting the extraordinary contribution neurodiverse people make to art and culture.

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ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sharif Persaud (b. 1993) is an artist based in Hastings. His practice has been developed in collaboration with Project Art Works, where he has been a key contributor.

He wrote and directed The Mask (2017) an Ignition Random Acts Network Centre Commissioned film. The Mask won Best Story at the Oska Bright Film Festival in 2017, and has been shown at screenings across the world including FilmBath UK, the Other Film Festival in Melbourne, Electric Palace in Hastings, and the Discover Film Awards festival in London. It has also featured in a British Film Institute Collection Disabled Britain on Film.

His work has featured in group exhibitions including In The Realm of Others (2015) at De La Warr Pavilion and Putting Ourselves in the Picture (2019) at Fabrica.

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THE EXPLORERS PROJECT

Set against a backdrop of increased hardship and marginalisation of vulnerable people, the EXPLORERS Project celebrates and raises awareness of the dynamic, extraordinary contribution neurodiverse people make to art and culture. This exhibition has developed from a long partnership with Project Art Works and Autograph's participation in EXPLORERS.

EXPLORERS is informed and led by neurodiverse communities, in collaboration with cultural organisations across the UK and in Australia. explorersproject.org

The project is led by Project Art Works, the UK’s leading artist led organisation working with children, young people and adults who have complex support needs. EXPLORERS is supported by the Arts Council Ambition for Excellence Programme and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

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ACCESSIBILITY AT AUTOGRAPH

Everyone is welcome at Autograph. Our building Rivington Place is an accessible space with a step-free entrance at street level, and a lift to all floors. Unisex, accessible toilets are located on all floors.

Download our Accessibility Guide from our website for detailed access information about our venue and transport.

We are happy to help. If you would like to discuss your visit, or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 020 7749 9200

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Sharif Persaud's exhibition is commissioned by Autograph as part of EXPLORERS, a three-year programme of art and conversation led by Project Art Works in partnership with Autograph, Fabrica, De La Warr Pavilion, MK Gallery, National Institute for Experimental Arts UNSW, Photoworks and Tate Liverpool.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England. EXPLORERS is supported by the Arts Council Ambition for Excellence Programme and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.