FOUND:RE Contemporary and FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel announced the opening of its newest series of exhibitions, “WORK! COLOR! LIGHT!,” which celebrates the hard work and dedication of queer artists. The opening reception takes place at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel Friday, June 2, from 6 to 9 p.m.
“WORK! COLOR! LIGHT!” is an exploration of the artistic perspectives of queer art. The term “queer,” when used in reference to art or community, was re-appropriated in the 1980’s from its derogatory use to a political and celebratory term to describe the experience of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. Queer art transcends art styles, encompassing bodies of work with no particular style ranging from abstract, photography, collage and sculpture, to name just a few. Historically underrepresented in mainstream art, this show at FOUND:RE Contemporary features an array of artwork that explores the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
The exhibition’s title, “WORK! COLOR! LIGHT!” holds significance in its meaning of the artistic body of work these artists have produced. It’s also a commonly used colloquial term within the queer community. Werk, as it’s sometimes spelled, is a term that rose to prominence from the New York Ball scene, as well as the drag scene in other communities across the U.S. The exclamation is used as praise for outstanding performance or motivating someone in execution of creativity. In popular culture, RuPaul rose to stardom with their hit song, “Supermodel (You Better Work).”
“WORK! COLOR! LIGHT!” at FOUND:RE Contemporary celebrates the hard work and dedication of queer artists that have used their creativity to explore the multifaceted experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. This exhibition brings together works from Arizona artists that have used their art to challenge societal norms, challenge authority and highlight perspectives and experiences associated within the LGBTQ+ community through art.
“WORK!” ends July 30; “COLOR!” and “LIGHT!” end August 27. Admission to the June 2 event is free, and attendees can reserve space via eventbrite.com. For more information on “WORK! COLOR! LIGHT!” at FOUND:RE Contemporary and FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel, visit www.foundrehotels.com/work-color-light.