CJ Reay’s activist slogans take quilt form in new exhibition

Artist CJ Reay has turned his activist poster style into 14 felt and appliqué works called the Anarchist Prayer Quilts. Their slogans challenge authoritarianism, wealth and technology, while the handmade form reflects his belief that art can affirm human creativity in an increasingly digital culture.

Based in East Yorkshire, Reay is known through Black Lodge Press for punchy, often humorous designs and has 145,000 Instagram followers. His influences include punk and textile traditions, and earlier commissions drew on anarchist and miners’ banner-making. The quilts are due to be shown in Sheffield in November and Lincoln in December; a book inspired by the project is planned for January.