Dress Up, Speak Up: Regalia and Resistance

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Step into a captivating world where art becomes a voice for the complex narratives of identity, power, and cultural resistance. "Dress Up, Speak Up" is an engaging exhibition that transcends time and space, as artistically adorned figures evoke stories from past and present, fact and fiction. With a stunning fusion of allegory, autobiography, and art history, these provocative creations confront and redefine cultural visibility while drawing attention to personal, social, and political challenges. Immerse yourself in art that uses regalia both as a form of adornment and a powerful tool for resistance. Raúl de Nieves’ intricate beadwork and Jody Paulsen’s felt collages transform everyday materials into evocative statements on identity. Beverly McIver, Yvonne Osei, and Fahamu Pecou contribute their fierce introspections, bridging memory and play with poignant social critique. From Gaela Erwin’s investigative self-portraits to the colonial counter-narratives of Jeffrey Gibson and Erica Lord, a diverse array of works confront historical erasure and challenge systemic biases through stunning visual narratives. Through varied mediums including video, performance, and mixed media, artists like Kehinde Wiley, Athi-Patra Ruga, and Ebony G. Patterson defy traditional norms, probing the fluidity of gender and identity. Each piece illuminates untold histories, with striking depictions of resilience and futurism. "Dress Up, Speak Up" invites you to witness a powerful dialogue between art and audience, urging a reconsideration of the identities and stories that shape our collective experience.