content warning: surgery references, chest dysphoria references, blood, and (tattoo) needles

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Aromantic Romanticism, 2019

 was a collaborative project between Colin Lievens (they/them) and Thomas Oliver (he/him). Borrowing the format from the tradition of Advent, a new work was made daily for 25 days finishing on 4th December 2019, the first anniversary of Oliver’s open heart surgery. The series draws parallels between Oliver’s open heart surgery and Lievens’ upcoming top surgery, reflecting on waiting, identity, community, medicine and gifting through their contrasting artistic practices in thoughtful and playful ways.

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Aromantic Romanticism (in progress) was shown as part of BA Fine Art Open Studio, Central Saint Martins, London, 22 November 2019 and Patience (documentation of tattoo performance) was exhibited as part of Xhibit, 3 - 18 June 2021