Veins of Existence: Alter-ego(isms)

Featuring performances by James Knott and Yovska Moreno

Through performance, queer, trans and gender non-conforming folk have found solace in political expression as a method to blur gender binaries and heteronormativity. As history progresses, theater, body performance, and drag have become more ambiguous yet strategic, using one another to define the complexities of being othered. Through the work of two artists, Yovska Moreno and James Knott, this event considers the history of queer, trans, and gender non-conforming performance and its relation to expressing through one more alter-egos.

Yovska employs fashion design, paranormal drag and performance to create humorous situations that highlight the absurdity of pop culture, especially within internet subculture. Knott uses elements of theater, installation, and body based performance, which come together in a narrative-based experience, using humour, inner-conflict and turmoil; Knott’s performances also include one or several characters played by the artist. Adjoined with the exhibition, Veins of Existence: Beyond Survival,this event gives a live perspective of LGBTQI2A+ work and how its reach is everlasting from a bar, theater, or gallery.

About the exhibition:

In the current world, national and local political stratospheres, queer, trans, and gender non-conforming folks live between both a full and threatened existence. During the past decade it has been both an external and intra-community struggle to be represented, seen, and heard. As many march toward a more diverse, livable and inclusive LGBTQI2A+ community there has also been push back and erasure of such progress.

Considering the oversimplification of multiple and intersecting identities, there is a need and a call to be celebrated not just for survival but also for moments of joy, hope, and worthiness.Veins of Existence: Beyond Survival acknowledges the blindspots in representing multiple identities and various cultural backgrounds. This exhibition, curated by Sean Sandusky, highlights both current obstacles as well the pride that makes people fight for their greater community.

Xpace acknowledges the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council for this exhibition.

Event image courtesy of Yovska Moreno