Your boy at Christie’s (again)
The Terrence Higgins Trust got in touch back in December ‘24 to ask if I could donate a piece for their upcoming auction at Christie’s. Of course, I said yes, and not because it was at Christie’s.
I get the appeal. A reputable auction house is a huge compliment. But to be frank, my practice has nothing to do with the glitz and glamour of an evening out in St James’s. My art involves dirty hands rather than clean suits. I care more about the craft and the community than the suit and the bubbly. I would have said yes even if it were held in a dive.
I care deeply about the work the THT is doing. Their impact reaches many within the LGBTQIA+ community, my community. It’s my way to tell them know I think of them often. We are on the cusp of eradicating HIV, but my poz peeps still need and deserve real support.
In the past, I donated small pieces, no bigger than A3. Easier to sell too, since most people can fit them on their walls way easier than a statement piece. I didn’t have anything available right there and then, so I decided to make something new. A dream, really. An experimental work from my upcoming exhibition, The Hidden, a reflection on the concealed layers of personal truth. UV-reactive, invisible paint on A1 hard-pressed paper. I’ve been working on the concept for six years.
Picture it, Patrillo style: you walk into a gallery room and all you see is white. White walls holding white A1 sheets of paper, alluding to how people present themselves in the world: pristine, as perfect and as polished as possible. The audience gathers in the centre of the room. The lights go out. The majesty of Perfume Genius’ Otherside (of course) fills the space. A lullaby. An invitation to dream and wonder. And then, BOOM! UV lights reveal a sea of neon colours and shifting shapes. What was hidden becomes visible, ready to be explored, contemplated and understood. Nothing wrong with adding a little spectacle and magic to a gallery show. “It is MEGA” to quote absolutely nobody (yet).
I went to work. I often start with the frame. Find the right frame and half the job is done. Working with recycled frames and materials is an important practice in my studio. I combed through local charity shops, but nothing stood out. My neighbour has an antiques shop I dare not enter, but that morning it called to me. And yes, I believe intuition is a thing. There, I found the one: an old, battered frame. I restored the frame, paint and foil, framed the paper on my easel and painted the first of its kind: Self Portrait 2, a snapshot of my ADHD brain. My husband was proud. And honestly, most times that’s enough. Artwork finished, photographed and delivered. Smita from the THT was brilliant throughout. I really appreciated her dedication throughout the long evenings and weekends.
Soon enough, the auction evening arrived. It’s mostly a blur now. I always feel anxious in those settings, I couldn’t drink because of my ADHD meds, but I was masking AF. I’m very good at that. One thing I do remember: I was excited to see the piece. And when I finally found it, I immediately realised Christie’s had hung it upside down. That was a hearty laugh. My husband and I still laugh about it today. An innocent error.
It is and will always be my greatest privilege to offer my support. I take that seriously. The rest, not so much. As of 19 May 2025, the Terrence Higgins Trust raised £340,500 through the auction, and I’m very happy to play a small part in their success.