News
It feels like home
January 30, 2017
Anna Campbell, associate professor of Sculpture, Visual Studies and Foundations, uses props, scaffold and trusswork to support models of representation for queer forms that challenge the gaze of classifying taxonomies.
When planning this new work, Campbell wanted to challenge the traditional notion of home. Constructed for ArtPrize 8, the mixed-media installation was inspired by gay bars and her specific experience with the former Pub 43, located on Division Avenue. A stylized bar top is supported by wood scaffolding and includes the phrase "We must take ecstasy" inspired by Queer Theorist José Estebán Muñoz "Cruising Utopia: the Then and There of Queer Futurity." Although the bar top and the phrase were not part of the original design, Anna changed direction after the June 12 attack at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, making the bar top an important element in the issue of survival of LGBT people.
Anna Campbell’s was also recently selected as one of the Top 10 Grand Rapids Artists by MLive and culture.GR, a media outlet that aims to foster a sophisticated critical discussion in the local arts community.
Chosen Family, Chosen Name, Separatist, Safe Space, Ex-Pat, Invert, Homophile, Homestead at the Mary Idema Pew Library Exhibition Galleries from January 13 through the 31st. Admission is Free.
For more information on Anna Campbell's work, please visit https://www.annacampbell.net.