Artist Talk: Joshua Raffell

Join us at Aspex for the closing weekend of CLASSifications which coincides with this year’s Photo Fringe coming to Portsmouth for the first time to dive into the issues of our show and this year’s festival theme: ‘Common Ground’.

Joshua Raffell will discuss their artistic approach and the background of being commissioned by Aspex Portsmouth for this exhibition.

The talk will be hosted by Ricardo Reverón Blanco, Curator/Programme Manager at Aspex Portsmouth.

Prior to the talk, there will be an opportunity to explore the exhibition and enjoy a drink from independent cafe Port Coffee amongst Aspex staff and the artist. Entry to the event is free (pay what you can), but booking is recommended.

Find out more about Joshua Raffell and CLASSifications here.

You can also find a copy of an extended think piece written by Ricardo Reverón Blanco here.

About Joshua Raffell

From a working class and canal gypsy background, Joshua Raffell is an outsider on the inside. He is a gay and dyslexic artist living with depression. Joshua is a champion of diversity, and his work is influenced by his life experiences.

Having left education with no qualifications, later in life he was supported by City Lit to discover his potential and where he was awarded an Outstanding Adult Learner in Visual Arts Award 2007. He studied at Sir John Cass (BA Hons), where he was awarded the Owen Rowley Award for originality. Following his MA at Chelsea School of Art, he was selected for the ‘Young Gods’ show by Zavier Ellis at Charlie Smith and Griffin Galleries in 2014

He now lives and works on the Isle of Wight. In 2023 Joshua exhibited at Studio 1.1, London, Monkton Arts, Ryde and Quarr Abbey on the island. He has been awarded bursaries by ‘a space’ arts and Isle of Wight Creative Network.

Host or Publisher Aspex Portsmouth