Paul chisholm’s “ Our Injuries are invisible” and “ I am not an abomination : is to go on auction at Christies on April the 16th in Aid of the Terrence Higgins Trust in support of people with HIV. The event is one of London’s most successful charity auctions and a night like no other. A champagne reception is followed by an evening of frantic bidding for world-renowned artwork, luxury travel lots and exciting celebrity experiences.
In “ Our injuries are invisible “ Paul Chisholm comments on the internal struggles with mental health many people living with HIV endure. Often the focus is on the physical effects of the virus and mental health can be brushed under the carpet.
Chisholm explains: ‘A visible injury is clear for all to see, however sometimes our injuries are invisible to the world. The state of our mental wellbeing is not as obvious to some as a broken leg or a physical wound. ‘Without treatment HIV slowly disables the immune system and when living with the virus today, mental wellbeing is as important as the daily drugs regime. This allows us to live a fulfilling life in a world with seven days, seven continents, seven deadly sins and seven colours of the rainbow.’
In i am not an Abomination he explores religious persecution, particularly in relation to sexuality.
Chisholm explains: ‘Leviticus 20:13 tells us “a man who sleeps with another man is an abomination and should be executed”.
‘The deliberate misinterpretation of language - using the Bible to justify actions and causes is a recurrent event. From the Crusades to the Holocaust to slavery, these ancient words have been harnessed for hate and oppression. The words in Leviticus are being misquoted and used to oppress, silence and kill in the name of “God”.
‘In the original version of the Bible the word “Tavoha” - which literally means “taboo” has been translated to mean something entirely different. ‘The Bible also says its an abomination to eat shellfish, so here’s to a prawn cocktail or oysters and Champagne.’
Last year the online and live auctions combined raised a staggering £401,258. Over its history the event has raised over £3 million to make a difference to the lives of people living with and affected by HIV.
AUCTION CATALOGUE:
http://www.tht.org.uk/~/media/Auction%202018/Auction%20Catalogue%202018%20v2.pdf