Talisman is a group exhibition of LGBTQIA+ artists, curated by Gemma Rolls-Bentley and E-J Scott, that considers the objects, people and symbols we turn to in order to keep us safe.

Since ancient times, people have turned to ritual and talismanic objects as a means of protection against unseen forces and existential threats. In that same spirit, Talisman – Cardion Arts’ annual group exhibition for 2025 – draws on this rich legacy of symbolic defence, inviting artists from across the UK to channel their creative energies as acts of safeguarding and resistance.

From 4th – 27th July 2025, visitors are welcomed into a space of collective sanctuary, shaped by the imaginations of some of the biggest names in queer art alongside a tightly curated selection of early and mid-career artists. The exhibition features Karina Akopyan, Niya B, Jonathan Baldock, Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Claye Bowler, KV Duong, Eva Dixon, Jesse Darling, Dudley Dream Walsh, Luke Edward Hall, Lubaina Himid, Erin Holly, Kasra Jalilipour, Wayne Lucas, Richard Maguire, Emily Pope, Prem Sahib, Zach Toppin, Emily Witham, Ajamu X, Osman Yousefzada, alongside objects from the Museum of Transology.

The works on view explore themes of queer spirituality, the supernatural, hurt and healing, bodily sanctity, and our community’s shared capacity to summon resilience and good fortune.

The show is curated by Gemma Rolls-Bentley, and E-J Scott, with assistant curator, Katie Della-Valle.

Curators Gemma Rolls-Bentley, and E-J Scott are powerhouses in the artworld. Gemma Rolls-Bentley has been at the forefront of contemporary art for over two decades, working passionately to champion diversity in the field and amplify the work of queer artists. E-J Scott is a curator, cultural producer, and academic known for founding the Museum of Transology.

“We are excited to bring our curatorial voices together to further Cardion Arts’ mission to support LGBTQIA+ artists. Together, these artists conjure a sacred queer realm – an imaginative refuge from the turbulence of the present day”, said Gemma Rolls-Bentley.

“The Talisman exhibition fosters both early-career artists and new trans curatorial talent. It gives the young MoT photographers the chance to shoot both the gallery install and the events. It also provided our Community Curators with the opportunity to enhance both their installation and art interpretation skills. This expands their portfolios beyond the museum sector, into the world of fine art. We are grateful to Cardion for supporting the MoT’s cultural ambitions”, said E-J Scott.

“Only ten years ago, the UK was Europe’s highest-ranking country for LGBTIQA+ rights. This year, it’s fallen into 22nd place (ILGA Europe). And shockingly, for the first time in history, TGEU’s (Trans Europe & Central Asia) trans rights map shows the reversal of trans rights in the UK has outweighed any progress made- for the most part- by the cultural sector. In uncertain times, we religiously turn to the unparalleled creativity of our community to express pride in the face of adversity. The Talisman exhibition provides a place of sanctity for trans and queer artists to express symbolic gestures of reverence, hope and inviolability on behalf of us all”, added E-J Scott.