Reflections of Derek Jarman

Darryl Reilly, Critic

Derek Jarman died 25 years ago today from AIDS at the age of 52. This was a great loss to the arts and to humanity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Jarman

In the 1980’s I lived in London for six months and saw him a few times at the Kings Cross pub The Bell during Sunday’s gay nights. These fleeting encounters remain indelible memories. I was aware of him back then having seen several of his films but was too shy to make contact.

Tall, distinctive and mirthful, he had the imposing countenance that recalled the Renaissance figures he often depicted in his monumental works. He was invariably holding court with a coterie of glittering young men.

In that era, I also happened to attend an art gallery exhibition where these representative portraits of him by artist John Watkiss were shown and which fancifully yet realistically represent him for posterity.

It is a privilege to have a forum to humbly commemorate his existence and tragic end. He heroically fought and raged against his impending fate most supremely in his last film Blue that he made when he was blind.

Today he is honored in London: https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/derek-jarman-to-be-commemorated-with-english-heritage-blue-plaque/