Queer Sentiments: The Evolving Spectrum
Mohammed Fayaz (American, born 1990). Armory, 2018. Digital illustration, 58 x 72 ½ in.
EXHIBITION LIST
Supporting research
In the course Case Studies on Curatorial Activism taught by Professor Grace Aneiza Ali, one of the objectives is to deepen the understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to curatorial practices rooted in social change. Throughout the scholarship of the course, many readings have ensured that this course objective is not only deeply understood but activated in my artistic, academic and activist endeavors. In her text, Curatorial Activism: Towards an Ethics of Curating, Maura Reilly introduces three strategies of resistance – revisionism, area studies and relational studies which are employed throughout the exhibitions in Queer Sentiments through topic heavy subject matters and how multiplicities of artists approach issues within the LGBTQ+ community. Darren Walker informs us that “Museums Need to Step Into the Future” in his New York Times article. He reminds the public that museums have a responsibility to hold a mirror up to society and to shift the flawed and outdated idea of political correctness to achieving excellence.
While performing a case study on the exhibition Infinite Island: Contemporary Caribbean Art shown at the Brooklyn Museum (August 31, 2007 – January 27, 2008), I gained a clear understanding of hybrid cultures and how art can be used to seek common ground and bridge diverse communities. Curator Tumelo Mosaka acknowledged the exhibition’s surfacing of themes in history, memory, politics and identity, popular culture and myth, ritual and belief and how their absence is louder than presence. This reading inspired me to extend my research beyond popular topics within the LGBTQ+ community by diving deeper and more specifically into issues that often blend into the shadows; such as intergenerational relationships and ideas of memory, which can be observed in Trisha. We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum, 1965-85 in 2017 was one of the most interesting shows to unpack. Over the years, the Brooklyn Museum has dedicated its programming to ensuring there are spaces to have inspiring conversations to members of underrepresented communities. This led me to integrate the Nobody Promised You Tomorrow exhibition into the collection. Both exhibitions shown at the Brooklyn Museum modeled a form of politics based on solidarity, tactical alliances and coalition among oppressed groups.