An art exhibition that intends to bring to life the complexities of homelessness has opened at London’s Saatchi Gallery.
Homelessness: Reframed features works by artists from across the UK.
It includes pieces created by children at a series of workshops with the Homewards programme, which was founded by Prince William in June 2023.
Another sculpture, by artist David Tovey, is made from a Peugeot 206 car that he lived in and which he described as the “hardest work I’ve ever made”.
Titled Home 2013, Tovey transformed the vehicle into a hand-welded sculpture of a house.
The London-based artist explained that it symbolises his appreciation for the car that became his home, contrasted with anger and sadness about the situation he found himself in.
“I’m really excited about this piece. It’s probably the hardest work I’ve ever made because it represents my home for over six months during a very difficult period of my life,” said Tovey, who was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for reporting homelessness earlier this year.
“The car sculpture includes personal elements like folded clothing and bedding, which were part of my daily life. The car provided safety and security when I was ill and living on the streets.
“Initially, I couldn’t accept that I was homeless, but living in a car was my reality.”
He added that sculpture had been painted a similar colour to a paratrooper’s beret to reflect his military background.
“Creating this sculpture has been emotionally and physically challenging,” he said.
“The process has been cathartic but also required me to push myself outside my comfort zone, especially with tasks like welding, which I had to learn and manage on my own.”
Tovey added the work had been created in the playground of a school in Bethnal Green.
“The support from the staff and the inspiration it provided to the children has been amazing. The school have gone above and beyond to make this a positive experience for me,” he said.
The free exhibition was created through a partnership between: Homewards, a programme run by The Royal Foundation which was launched by Prince William to tackle homelessness; Eleven Eleven Foundation, a private foundation focussed on philanthropy, sustainability and medical research; and the Saatchi Gallery.
Amanda Berry OBE, chief executive of The Royal Foundation, said: “The exhibition underlines Homewards and The Royal Foundation’s dedication to challenging the long-held perceptions around homelessness.”
Paul Foster, Saatchi Gallery director, said he wanted visitors to approach Homelessness: Reframed “with an open mind” and question “assumptions” about people experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness: Reframed is at the Saatchi Gallery, in Chelsea, until 20 September.
