ABOUT

HSBC: "“Feeling included on the LBGT spectrum is extremely important, because if you don’t belong, who are you gonna turn to?” HSBC UK is proud to support Birmingham Pride. #PortraitsOfPride"

Barbara Gibson: Being able but also and most importantly allowed to express myself freely both; as an artist and openly gay person is a privilege. There is no doubt about it. Rejection and intolerance are still common things many LGBT people face everyday. Love isn’t a simple thing not only when we think about building up a relationship or try to develop one. It’s also the society we struggle to get the acceptance from so that we can at least try living the life surrounded by those we cherish, love and share happiness with.

The monologue has no end but wonderful things happen when the dialog starts...

Recently commissioned to deliver work for the newest HSBC UK advertising campaign I became a woman who was given a chance to have a voice and to use it is loudly in the form of art. My art.

#PortraitsOfPride HSBC campaign is part of the Birmingham and London Prides. The commission brought together a number of incredible people allowing us all to create art and continue the dialogue. To create the artwork I was paired with a bisexual woman to learn about her life and listen to the story about her coming out. Based on an open conversation and guided by the inspiring story I created Blue’s Portrait of Pride.

I feel honoured to be part of such a wonderful thing and incredibly thankful for the opportunity to share how I work and create. Proud to represent LGBT community as an artist and lesbian;
although I believe there are much more things that could define me - the human being - without mentioning my sexuality!

Many thanks to HSBC for making such a brave step forward towards the total acceptance of differences and making us feel equal. Equally massive thanks to the Production Team, Art Directors, Video Crew and Artists who worked endlessly to make it all happen.

One more thanks goes to my wife whose believe and support cannot be measured.

Important / Needed / Challenging

Thank you ❤️