Queer Italian artist Ruben Montini is inviting members of Philadelphia's LGBTQIA+ community to join him and come together to create a collaborative art installation that he has called "Altarpieces." This three-day event of artistic creation, is part of a larger project that brings together LGBTQIA+ communities across the globe. In this way Philly joins queer groups of the UK, Poland, Slovenia, Italy, France, Iran, Brazil, displaced refugee groups (and up next Mexico!) as they come together, embrace community and reclaim power through these collective acts of awareness, vulnerability, strength and creation.
During this event participants are asked to bring their own articles of clothing to stitch onto the altarpiece which will be covered in the homotransphobic phrases our community has suffered. Why one’s own clothes? Personal clothes are seen in this sense as empirical witnesses of the discrimination suffered, steeped in our fear and in the insults we all bear.
Other community members are also welcome to come and bear witness as supportive allies. All are welcome.
More info on the project and artist can be found HERE
SCHEDULE
Monday February 5, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm
The three-day event begins with an explanation of the artist’s vision and research, followed by a moment where those participating may choose to share experiences of discrimination in a safe and collective space (without hierarchies, and where both students and teachers participate).
Tuesday February 6, 2024, 12:00pm-3:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm
Participants, together with the artist and his assistant, engage in the practice of art making: sewing their used clothing or cutting out the letters from fabrics and sewing them onto the altarpiece.
Wednesday February 7, 2024, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Participants will continue to work on their art making or come and create for the first time. The evening will conclude with a few remarks, and a moment for reflection and festivities.
More info on the schedule can be found HERE
PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to come every day to participate in this event. Interested people are welcome to come and go, pop in and participate as much or as little as they want. And remember, while the event is specifically created for members of Philadelphia's LGBTQIA+ community, allies are welcome to come and show their support.