One Night Stand | London

Solo show | One Night Stand | London @ The Queen Adelaide Hackney.

Since 1834, the Queen Adelaide has been a cornerstone of East London’s local community. Today, it stands as an iconic LGBTQ+ pub and venue in Hackney, brought to life by the visionary team behind the era-defining George & Dragon, who helped shape London’s alternative scene during the 2000's. The Covert Room transformed the basement club spaces, for a site specific one-night-only installation and exhibition of Neil Gilks work, art, music and provocation. The event invited viewers to engage with the paintings, illustrations, objects and collections as private interventions presented in response to an alternative after dark context.

Gilks is a British trained creative, schooled at Central St. Martins, London. A twenty-year dedication to fashion design, its advancement and its education, parallels his deep interest in creating imagery that question consumerism, identity, branding and ownership.

Neil always drew. In recent years his depictions of males became the focus of his work offering glimpses into desirability, power and role.

His current practice examines masculinity and the male form. Themes of beauty, subversion, architypes, fashion, street and high culture are explored through a multi layered juxtaposition of global influences. His ability to seduce with such an economy of line speaks to his direct appreciation of beards, men, cock and gratification. Some could say his works of male figures and portraits explore the iconography and troupes found in gay culture - Neil would say he draws what he’s drawn to.

Gilks’s work has been featured in numerous editorials and group exhibitions internationally. His collaborations have allowed for fertile creative relationships, whilst his growing following have made for avid collectors. Published illustrated books, album covers and fashion sited graphics expose his breadth of work.

Buyer inquires: @neilsecluded