A private exhibition weaving an intersectional reality out of individual experiences.
We supported the transition of SVA Check the books, a black and brown student-activist led digital movement, to a physical medium. We focused on holding the School of Visual Arts accountable for the ethical and financial abuses they perpetrate. Partnering with former SVA student and Epstein survivor Rina Oh to curate a private showing opposing institutional abuse in the commercialized art world. Our consulting approach was one of deep integration with Inom, building rapport through discussion and embodiment of our shared values. Inom and Isfet move to cultivate radical change through community building.
Our Client:
Inom collective was concerned with disjointed brand messaging, the student led nature of the account meant that no design ethos had been established. In order to legitimize the perception of the event, it was necessary to create a unified brand image. Convincing followers of the movement that the event was a manifestation of the page’s ethos was our task. The originators of the movement reported on physical and financial abuses of institutional power. We worked to decisively focus on certain aspects of the abuse, and how that abuse expanded beyond the walls of the institution. The event also required balancing of anonymity and exposure, working with current students at the school and survivors involved within the industry. Through close work with Rina Oh, the survivor, we balanced programming in a way that centered her experience, but did not necessitate performance of her trauma. We helped the client navigate these ethical mires, allowing for a manifestation of the showing focused on reducing harm to and exposure of involved parties.
Our Digital Involvement:
The above gallery showcases timeline posts created for the client, with the intent to bound the ethos of the event. A translation the evidence they had gathered and the ethos they wanted to communicate into concise and digestible content. We created pre-showing engagement schedules, researched the following to identify organizations and people of interest that would substantiate the community. We also worked with Inom to conduct artist interviews, create artist briefing documents, and facilitate communication with artists. Colour and style guides were established emphasizing the relationship between the client and the showing.
Our Physical Involvement:
Informed by our communication with artists and understanding of spatial requirements for the event and pieces to be installed, we identified and prepared a space to hold the showing. We also coordinated event production and logistics; arranged photography, provided A/V installation for digital works, audio recording for the roundtable, curating the guest experience and branding.
Execution and Highlights:
Our combined efforts resulted in a successful execution of the event for the client, unifying the experiences of 35 individuals in attendance. The roundtable discussion covered the interaction between the identity and experiences of the artists showcased, and critiqued the current abuses faced by young artists who exist outside of the institution. The discussion will be published in White Hot and Art Lantern magazines, in podcast form. An intimate environment was created that allowed for close connection between the artists and attendees, weaving a shared reality out of individual experiences. The event was characterized by attendee involvement, an intentional transition meant to foster social connection and resistance.