The Lovers sees internationally renowned artist Sunil Gupta present his critically acclaimed photographic series, Lovers: Ten Years On (1984/85), alongside a new body of work produced with artist and husband Charan Singh, titled Lovers, Revisited (2023/2024). Created 40 years apart, both collections depict LGBTQIA+ couples, as directed by the sitters, photographed in their homes. The remarkable show is on view until 3rd May 2025.

Sunil Gupta is a British-Indian photographer, artist, and activist known for his work exploring themes of identity, queerness, migration, and the South Asian diaspora. Born in 1953 in New Delhi, India, he later moved to Canada, studied in the UK, and became a prominent figure in the world of contemporary photography.

The exhibition at New Art Exchange marks nearly four decades since the 28 black-and-white Lovers photographs have been seen together in their entirety – the collection has only been exhibited once, back in 1985. Juxtaposed against the 12 new works from Lovers Revisited, the timing of this exhibition goes beyond a celebration of the original series milestone to act as a reminder of the past and the ongoing struggle for visibility for LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly in a time when the UK grows less safe for queer people. The Lovers stand as both a celebration of the past and a vital reminder of the need for continued advocacy and representation in the face of ongoing challenges.

Image: Sunil Gupta, Ian & Pavlik, 1984