NORMAH by David Holah - a colourful, creative and bizarre haven somewhere between fashion, illustration, retro and transvestism

David Holah invites you to step inside his colourful world of grit and glitz!

The latest exhibition in the art@Ketchum Pleon gallery series presents NORMAH, by David Holah. The launch of this year’s first art instalment was celebrated with a drinks reception in the presence of the artist himself, which GoSee was happy to attend.

Although David Holah was exhibiting his latest print work as an artist, his fashion fabulous roots were clearly reflected in the colourful mirror pieces and guests such as designer/singer Pam Hogg and blogger Princess Julia.

David Holah’s career began with the founding of the iconic Bodymap label with partner Stevie Stewart in 1983. The fashion label was a must-have wardrobe addition to London club kids such as Princess Julia who also frequented the city’s legendary Blitz Club.

The label, famed for its controversial catwalk shows, was presented the Martini Award in 1983 followed by the Bessie costume award in 1987, which honoured their designs for Michael Clark’s dance company.

Bodymap outfits were also designed for Ballet Rambert and the Royal Festival Ballet and are held and displayed in some of the world’s most prestigious museum collections such as at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. David Holah has also created independent designs, such as clothing and textile prints for other fashion labels including Goldie, Benetton and Fiorucci.

Normah is a glitzy blend of David Holah’s fashion influences and themes of gender and sexuality which tie into his own cross dressing performances, honouring a female name which we are guessing doubles up as his alter ego.

Videos were screened on the night of the artist in drag on a building site playing with themes of sexuality, surrounded by hardhats and ‘men working overhead signs’. The juxtaposition of Holah’s tongue-in-cheek approach to glamour and grit was also mirrored in his screen prints on mirrors, inviting the viewer to enter his colourful world.


NORMAH by David Holah
until March 11
art@Ketchum Pleon
35-41 Folgate St, London E1 6BX
www.davidholah.com