Artist auctions painting inspired by coming out for Attitude Magazine Foundation
Exclusive: “Each painting tells a story with a joyous outcome; look at me today, doing what I love, out, married," says Michael Rumsby of his new show.
Artist Michael Rumsby has teamed up with the Attitude Magazine Foundation (AMF) to auction off a stunning painting, with proceeds going to the Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline.
The auction, supported by Spirit of Soho, took place at a private viewing of Rumsby’s work at Clarendon Fine Art Gallery in London’s Mayfair last Thursday [2 December].
Rumsby, who is British but lives in Saussignac, France, donated his painting, ‘An Ocean Between Us’ for the occasion.
Michael, who is gay, told Attitude: “The title [of the show, Vive ut Vivas] comes from a tattoo I’ve actually got on me. This idea of, be true to yourself, being authentic.
“So, this collection of 16, 17 paintings, each one is based on the barriers I experienced growing up. I grew up in rural Suffolk in the 1980s. A time when, to come out as a gay man was really challenging, and not really what you did. This collection is based on that.
“Each painting tells a story with a joyous outcome. Because look at me today. Doing what I love, out, married to a man and very happy.”
He added: “The painting I’ve donated for the Foundation is ‘The Ocean Between Us’. It is based on a view of the North Sea I grew up with from my bedroom window.
“That horizon I looked at every morning drew me in, to wonder what was beyond it. It became, without me knowing it, a metaphor for my life, which is: ‘What is next? What’s going to happen?’ I knew who I was, but couldn’t speak my truth. I didn’t speak my truth for 30 years or so.”
Michael’s first London solo show, Respair, was called one of ‘The Best Art Exhibitions in London in 2022′ by Country & Townhouse magazine.
You can donate to the Attitude Magazine Foundation here.
For more information about Michael, click here.