In Conversation: In Praise of the Voluptuous

Benefits Supervisor Sleeping
© The Lucian Freud Archive. Courtesy Lucian Freud Archive

How have images of body size in art history and popular culture changed over time? Join Timberlina and a panel of guests for an engaging exploration and informal discussion around representations of the fuller figure in body image and cultural identity.

Charlotte Cooper will be talking a political, radical standpoint exploring representations of fat in today's popular culture. Charlotte is currently writing a doctorate about fat activism at the University of Limerick, courtesy of the Irish Social Sciences Platform. She is a DIY cultural producer, with a background in journalism, and is widely published including Fat and Proud: The Politics of Size. She founded The Chubsters, performs in the queercore band Homosexual Death Drive, is a member of The Bad Art Collective, makes films, and blogs about fat at Obesity Timebomb.

Dr Justin Varney will be exploring the concept of body image, size and culture and self portraiture through the gay prism. A community health activist and previous co-chair of the Gay and Lesbian association of Doctors and Dentists, Justin will bring a mix of cultural reflection and health policy context to the discussion and debate.

Art historian Leslie Primo will be exploring representations of the larger body throughout the history of portraiture, and drawing on social and cultural histories which celebrate size. Leslie specialises in the Renaissance, and regularly speaks at the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery.

The evening will be chaired by creative facilitator and glamorous bearded lady Timberlina.

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