Review: Art lovers can't miss this Queer exhibition in Soho
“I didn’t quite know where to start as everything on display was so compelling.”
Yesterday, I attended the private view of Chemtrail: This Is Killing Us in Soho, to experience an exhibition by Impulse London, that explores the impacts of chemsex.
Black-and-white visuals, voicemails from loved ones, and even mannequins depicting the physical consequences of chemsex all work together to make the experience deeply affecting.
From the moment you enter, you’re hit with what the exhibition has to offer through a combination of visual art, filmed testimonies, and audio installations.
My favourite installations were the two TV panels showing real Grindr confessions from Controlling Chemsex’s account. It was hard to watch how people opened up about something they knew was harmful, yet felt unable to step away.
The voicemails of loved ones pleading with chemsex users to come home were particularly moving, and a mannequin covered in bruises, needle marks, burns, rashes, and scarring drove home the physical toll of chemsex.
The black-and-white framing of the interviews with chemsex survivors removed any distraction, making the experience feel like I was listening to friends talk rather than listening to a studio-recorded interview.
The testimony that stuck with me the most was a man talking about how he started chemsex at 20 and, within two years, was addicted and diagnosed as HIV positive and had to start taking medication for the rest of his life.
Or, in another interview, one of the individuals shared how he had started an AI language model called Glynda to support people struggling with chemsex, offering guidance and information to those seeking help.
Poet Staney Iyanu’s book, My Achilles, explores the strength in embracing all sides of oneself, even when so much about the queer experience forces gay men to keep their feelings hidden.
Hearing him read excerpts added more to the exhibition, making parts of the room lively, while other moments were quiet, filled with reflection.
The space was initially crowded and a little awkward to navigate, but as people spread out, it became easier to spend time with each piece.
The room did get quite warm, but that didn’t lessen the impact of the works.
Audience reactions varied between conversation and silence, which I think mirrored the exhibition’s unflinching but heartfelt look at an issue that affects so many queer men.
This also tied into Impulse wanting to show the consequences of chemsex and informing visitors without judgment.
Leaving the private view, I kept thinking about how many people are drawn into chemsex seeking connection and belonging, only to find themselves overwhelmed by its dangers.
Chemtrail: This Is Killing Us blends art, testimonies, and lived experience to create a space that is both informative and deeply moving. It runs today until tomorrow (5th October) from 12 pm to 8pm at 15 Bateman Street, Soho.
Tickets are free and available here.