Woman Made Gallery (WMG) is proud to present “Ain't I Grand?,” a journey in self-exploration and celebration, no acceptance or permissions needed. The exhibition features artwork by queer women, transgender women and gender non-conforming artists of color to share their stories, celebrate identity, and acknowledgment of the realities of their journey. The narratives of the exhibiting artists include topics on self-love, exploration, visibility, and respect.

Curated by Chicago artist, Sam Kirk the exhibition includes works by Sky CubaCub, Onyx Preye Engobor, Ken Folk, Omi Torres, and Karla Wong.

About the Curator: Sam Kirk

Sam Kirk is a multidisciplinary artist, who explores culture and identity politics through her creations. Her artwork focuses on a variety of intersections which encompass a call to celebrate differences and enact change. Her paintings include vivid powerful images of women, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those who have historically been underrepresented. Her work celebrates these people and the journeys that have made them who they are.

Throughout her childhood, her family’s frequent moves to a variety of Chicago neighborhoods sparked her fascination with the nuances of the human experience. It was during these moments where she found herself discovering the cultures of the city and sorting through her own identity as a bi-racial, queer woman. Kirk’s artwork, much like her life has been an on-going narrative about how life’s experiences impact our identity. Her vibrant color palette, intricate line-work and layered backgrounds highlight cultural communities via multi-toned figures recalled from memories of her travels throughout the world.

Kirk’s public murals often address social issues, as she intentionally uses the public space to spark dialogue around topics of equality and visibility for women, communities of color, and the LGBTQIA community.

She has been completing a residency with the Chicago Art Department on Gender Visibility which included a solo exhibition through May 4, 2019. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EXHIBITION ONLINE

Please join us at the opening reception for “Ain't I Grand” on Friday, May 17, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. Donations are always welcome and appreciated: http://womanmade.org/donate