The summer Art Lab gave me the opportunity to evolve ideas for a new sculpture and also deepen my thinking about appropriation, a topic that has been on my mind since I began using Mexican huipils as a source of inspiration. I continued Art Lab through the fall and during that time I developed my relationships with an international group of artists and also with Micheal, who skillfully facilitated the group.
Having relationships with curators who understand and are enthusiastic about my work has been key to opening doors and working with Micheal Swank is no exception.
Micheal’s curatorial approach is unique. He is genuinely interested in having authentic relationships with the artists in his circle. Micheal is also an ardent supporter of LBGTIA art and artists. In my experience, that kind of acceptance has been in short supply for bisexuals like myself so I felt very comfortable in the queer-friendly space that Micheal created.
When a new exhibition space suddenly opened up in Micheal’s gallery building, he invited me to be the inaugural exhibit. Although we didn’t have much lead time, our ability to communicate well enabled us to pull together the show in just over a month.
Fortunately, I have been preparing for an upcoming museum show in 2022, so I have a lot of inventory. This allowed me to easily fill the new PRPG.mx space.
I feel extremely fortunate to have Micheal’s avid support, which has not only affirmed my artwork but also my career trajectory.