Wieden+Kennedy London collaborates with artist Bora to launch ‘The Fairy Christmas Tree Topper,’ a resin artwork that aims to reclaim the symbol of the fairy while supporting a vital queer community resource.
A unique exhibition titled “The Fairy Christmas Tree Topper” has been launched by the creative agency Wieden+Kennedy London in collaboration with interdisciplinary queer artist Bora. This one-off resin artwork aims to promote queer positivity and inclusiveness during the festive season while simultaneously supporting a vital community resource.
The exhibition is being held at Wieden+Kennedy London’s outdoor gallery space, located at 16 Hanbury St, and will be open to the public for free viewing from December 5th to December 24th. The piece challenges the dual connotations of the word ‘fairy’, which is often used as derogatory slang for LGBTQIA+ individuals but is also associated with peace and celebration atop Christmas trees. In light of the struggles many queer individuals face when returning home for the holidays, often feeling the need to disguise their true selves to avoid derogatory remarks, this piece seeks to reclaim the fairy as a symbol of joy and acceptance.
The exhibition also features an auction of “The Fairy Christmas Tree Topper” on Indy.Auction, running alongside the exhibition until December 13th. Proceeds from the auction will benefit The Common Press, London’s first consciously queer bookshop, which is currently facing closure due to financial difficulties. The bookshop has long served as a sanctuary for the LGBTQIA+ community, providing a safe and inclusive space.
Bora elaborated on the intention behind the artwork, stating: “We have the power as humans and artists to reinvent, morph and recreate narratives that are more inclusive, and more aligned with the times that we live in. I often work with big symbols that have already been invented, and I like to reinvent them. This Fairy is really about creating a sentient magic object that can spread magic around people.”
Holly Attrill, a Creative at Wieden+Kennedy London, remarked on the cultural significance of the fairy atop the tree, saying: “The fairy on top of the tree is such a recognised, angelic symbol of innocence that sits at the heart of homes over the festive season. Whilst at the same time many LGBTQIA+ people face exclusion, have to alter themselves, or tolerate derogatory insults such as ‘You’re such a Fairy’ to be welcome in their family homes over the holidays. This topper reclaims the fairy as a queer icon that reminds us all to accept each other as who we are, fairy or not.”
The initiative combines artistry and activism, emphasising the need for community support amidst adversity while encouraging cultural conversations surrounding identity and acceptance during the festive season.
Source: Noah Wire Services