This exhibition developed out of the course of a year. Early paintings and works on paper reflect the initial horror and shock and the dialogue between Lucy Ash and Jenny Baynham in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. The work then moves on to explore the complex set of emotions, timelines and the themes of chance and fate that we are all subject to and are a recurring feature in Ash’s work (Wrong Place, Wrong Time; Twist of Fate). More recently, Ash has begun to consider how we can begin to move on (Best Foot Forward) from such life changing events and try and generate something more positive.

The work is primarily in oils and mixed media. The techniques employed are integral to an appreciation of the work. The rich layering and texture of the oils gives a depth to the paintings and has enabled images and words to be buried within the canvas - virtually invisible to the naked eye - but always there. The overt use of sharp objects to build up and remove the paint is also suggestive of the profound psychological scars experienced by those who have been affected by such terrible acts.

BACKGROUND

On September 25, 2009, at about 10 pm, Trafalgar Square, Ian Baynham was subjected to a horrific homophobic attack by three teenagers. They had been drinking heavily and were out looking for trouble. The teenagers hurled homophobic abuse at Ian and the friend he was out spending the evening with. As Ian remonstrated, he was hit in the head. He fell to the ground and was knocked unconscious. The teenagers then stamped on his chest and head, before leaving the scene of the crime, while he lay fitting on the ground. 18 days later Ian died from his injuries. An innocent victim of homophobic abuse.

At the time of this attack, Ian’s subsequent death and the trial of the three teenagers, Jenny Baynham, Ian’s sister was living with Lucy Ash. It was a dark time, when they were left facing an awful situation that was done and couldn’t be reversed. The one thing that could be done that was positive was to try to stop it happening again. It is a horrible and frightening fact that LGBTIQ+ hate crime is growing, threatening, and overshadowing the lives of LGBTIQ+ people. Ash’s response as an artist, in collaboration with Jenny Baynham, was to create a series of paintings and works on paper from this very personal experience. The work depicts the effect of a mindless act of violence and the hidden tragedy of the family and friends who are left behind.

THE VIGIL, TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON, 30.10.09

On 30th October 2009, ‘17-24-30 NationalHCAW’ organised the first Candle-lit Vigil in Trafalgar Square following the death of Ian Baynham from the homophobic attack on him outside South Africa House. The focus of the evening was the life and death of Mr Baynham.

The vigil was attended by 10,000 people and organised in the space of two weeks by the LGBTIQ+ communities. They stood together to say that hate crime is not acceptable.

Speakers told of a man who grew up in a world where gay people kept their sexuality under wraps, about Ian’s wit and eloquence and his determination to always challenge homophobic abuse. A statement read on behalf of his sister Jenny Baynham spoke of a respectful man with a strong set of moral values and how is was ‘so tragic that his life ended on the streets of the city he loved so much.’

Attendees included London Deputy Mayor Richard Barnes, Sandi Toksvig and Sue Perkins. A letter from Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk - the first openly gay politician elected in California, was read out. The Gay Men's Chorus also performed. Rows of candles spelt out ‘No To Hate’ and speeches took place before a two-minutes silence at 21:00.