Current Exhibition
Embodied Material
April 6th - June 8th
Exhibition Statement:
Embodied Material is a collective of queer textile artists based in the Twin Cities. We meet regularly to discuss the intersection of queer & textile theory. While reading a variety of texts, we dissect complicated ideas, examining what inspires us, confuses us, and stirs us. Together we hold space for possibility and uncertainty, intentionally nourishing our individual studio practices. Our conversations act as the catalyst for our group exhibitions. We have been meeting since 2021 and this is our third exhibition.
This year we read decolonizing trans/gender 101 by b. binaohan. Written in part as response to Nicholas M. Tiech’s “Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue”, b. binoahan asks “Where is the transgender 101 for all the people who are erased, omitted, marginalized, left out, by guides like [that]? As described by the author, “decolonizing trans/gender 101 is a short, accessible (and non-academic) critique of many of the fundamental concepts in white trans/gender theory and discourse.
While reading this book, we discussed colonial understandings of race, gender and class. We considered how we have individually and collectively been socialized by these concepts: How have our understandings of gender been shaped by whiteness and colonialism? And how does safety and visibility intersect for queer and trans individuals? How does visibility impact the safety of queer and trans people, specifically trans and queer indigenous and/or people of color (IaoPoC)?
The rights and safety of transgender people living in Ohio are urgently in question. There are currently 4 anti-trans bills in Ohio being tracked by the Anti-trans legislation tracker (and 4 bills that passed last year). In b. binohan’s words, “It is apparent that IaoPoC trans or gender non-conforming people face levels of oppression that far exceeds that of white people.” As a collective, we ask you to learn about these bills and how you can take action in support of the people living in your community who are most impacted by this proposed legislation.
Trans Ohio is a group working to protect and advance the rights of trans, nonbinary, intersex and gender nonconforming people in Ohio. They provide resources such as emergency funds, legal clinic services, and support groups. To donate to their organization or get involved visit transohio.org.
Embodied Material is a collective of queer textile artists based in the Twin Cities. We meet regularly to discuss the intersection of queer & textile theory. While reading a variety of texts, we dissect complicated ideas, examining what inspires us, confuses us, and stirs us. Together we hold space for possibility and uncertainty, intentionally nourishing our individual studio practices. Our conversations act as the catalyst for our group exhibitions. We have been meeting since 2021 and this is our third exhibition.
This year we read decolonizing trans/gender 101 by b. binaohan. Written in part as response to Nicholas M. Tiech’s “Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue”, b. binoahan asks “Where is the transgender 101 for all the people who are erased, omitted, marginalized, left out, by guides like [that]? As described by the author, “decolonizing trans/gender 101 is a short, accessible (and non-academic) critique of many of the fundamental concepts in white trans/gender theory and discourse.
While reading this book, we discussed colonial understandings of race, gender and class. We considered how we have individually and collectively been socialized by these concepts: How have our understandings of gender been shaped by whiteness and colonialism? And how does safety and visibility intersect for queer and trans individuals? How does visibility impact the safety of queer and trans people, specifically trans and queer indigenous and/or people of color (IaoPoC)?
The rights and safety of transgender people living in Ohio are urgently in question. There are currently 4 anti-trans bills in Ohio being tracked by the Anti-trans legislation tracker (and 4 bills that passed last year). In b. binohan’s words, “It is apparent that IaoPoC trans or gender non-conforming people face levels of oppression that far exceeds that of white people.” As a collective, we ask you to learn about these bills and how you can take action in support of the people living in your community who are most impacted by this proposed legislation.
Trans Ohio is a group working to protect and advance the rights of trans, nonbinary, intersex and gender nonconforming people in Ohio. They provide resources such as emergency funds, legal clinic services, and support groups. To donate to their organization or get involved visit transohio.org.
