We dont have to be the Building

In We don't have to be the Building, I'm looking at the coming out process of telling our personal stories as a form of activism. That includes our stories about our sexuality. I am searching for my own and our community whakapapa of sexuality and protest. I'm focusing on lesbian, bi-sexual, queer female-bodied, trans*, mana wahine, takataapui  and female-identified activists of both 30 years ago during Homosexual Law Reform, and now in our contemporary world. What were the methods, communities, groups, identities and stories then, and what are they now? What are we fighting for? And what can we learn from intergenerational korero?

This project is important because it uses my skills as a process-based artist and community arts worker, to research complicated and important stories through art-making. My method is assemblage, which is a perfect medium to look at the many truths and diverse identities and issues that inform our past and today. I am using embodied research, as well as more traditional research in the LAGANZ archives.

I'll be doing figurative drawing sessions, consciousness-raising groups called Let's TalkaAbout Sex, inviting people to come talk to me inside one of my sculptures, running a creative queer expression workshop, and interviewing queer activists. The main physical outcome will be large assemblage artwork and writing in the eight lightboxes on Courtenay Place. I'm really proud to have the chance to put this work about our stories into such a prominent public space. And finally, I'll be making a publication that documents all of the adventures and learning!

This project feels like opening the doors, and building connections which are really important.

As a Boosted supporter, you'll be contributing to research, art and writing which acknowledges the complication of history and community in a very genuine, brave and reflective project. You'll be allowing me to develop my practice in brand-new art and writing, and expand on my previous community engagement and research experience. You will also be a vital part of me opening doors, asking for help and building connections.

I'm asking for $7500 to support me with the time I need in the next 6 months to do my research, interviews, workshops, drawing sessions, and making the art and writing for the lightboxes. I am incredibly grateful for any support, whether it be donating, sharing the campaign on social media, or telling everyone you know about it! Thank you!

Photo credit for the figurative photo: Harry Culy and Enjoy Gallery