Cornell Biennial: "Material Resistance" by Mellon Public Curatorial Expression

  • Human Ecology Building (HEB), Jill Stuart Gallery

Funded by the Mellon Public Curatorial Expression Program and curated by Dyese Matthews, Jenine Hillaire, Kat Roberts, and Ami Tamakloe, Material Resistance is an exhibition that utilizes fashion and other fiber arts to tell the stories of communities that have historically been marginalized. This exhibition aims to critically contribute to the larger, ongoing conversations on equity, resistance, and liberation, while simultaneously humanizing the surplus of struggles related to social justice. The works of five artists will be featured, including:

Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi, Ghana: In collaboration with The LGBT Rights Ghana and Dramaqueens, Va-Bene will be leading a community art project that uses texts and images on handkerchiefs to situate stories of humanity and citizenship of queer people in Ghana. These stories will be mounted as part of the exhibition.

Dr. Tameka Ellington: “Sis Alligator Meets Trouble” is a one-of-a-kind piece created by designer and researcher Dr. Tameka Ellington (CF+TC 2022.03.001). The gown is inspired by the tale “Bruh Alligator Meets Trouble,” a story originating among the Gullah Geechee people, African Americans who live in the southeastern region of the United States, and retold by author Virginia Hamilton. This unique dress was draped and then cut from leather and includes design elements referencing significant themes in the story.

Sylvia Hernandez: Four quilts, including “Guns Have More Rights Than a Uterus” (2021), “Community PTSD” (2021), “Birmingham Bombing” (2012), and “Basquiat” (2021).

Kate Sekules: “Sew Her Name Dress” (2020-2022), linen with mercerized cotton floss, 60 in x 35 in.

Agnes Yellow Bear: "Never Forgotten" ribbon skirt, reminding us of the matriarchal power we carry as indigenous women.

View Material Resistance in Jill Stuart Gallery in the Human Ecology Building from Nov 7-Dec 2, 2022.

2022 Cornell Biennial
Sponsored by the Cornell Council for the Arts and curated by Timothy Murray, the 2022 Cornell Biennial "Futurities, Uncertain" features exhibitions, installations, and performances by 23 international and 17 Cornell-based artists. Free and open-to-the-public events will rotate on the Cornell Ithaca campus and the Cornell Tech campus in New York City from July through December 2022.

Attend our Celebration Weekend from Sep 15-17, 2022 on the Cornell Ithaca campus. The full list of participants, along with the calendar of 2022 Cornell Biennial events, will be updated in real time at cca.cornell.edu/biennial.