As we reflect on the past year, it’s important to acknowledge the groundbreaking exhibitions that took place in the art world. One such exhibition that stood out was the showcase of Chloe Dzubilo’s work at Participant Inc., a Lower East Side art nonprofit. Curated by Alex Fleming and Nia Nottage, the exhibition delved into Dzubilo’s life as a trans woman and AIDS activist. Through text-based works and drawings, Dzubilo painted a raw and intimate portrait of her struggles with housing instability, discrimination, and healthcare issues.
In a year where the rights of trans and gender-nonconforming individuals are under threat, it was heartening to see institutions like Participant Inc. shine a spotlight on artists like Dzubilo. The art world’s support of marginalized groups like the trans community is often overlooked, but exhibitions like this serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and visibility.
The show on Dzubilo was just one of many exhibitions in 2025 that centered on trans and nonbinary artists. From the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art to The Met Cloisters, there was a growing recognition of the need to uplift voices from these communities. Artists like Nayland Blake, Vaginal Davis, and Xingzi Gu were also featured in exhibitions that explored themes of identity, gender, and sexuality.
One of the standout exhibitions of the year was Tate Modern’s retrospective of Leigh Bowery, a trailblazing artist whose work challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of gender expression. The exhibition offered a glimpse into Bowery’s world of self-expression and creativity, reminding us of the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change.
As we look ahead to a new year, it’s important to continue supporting artists who are pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. By becoming a paying member of art institutions and engaging with exhibitions that amplify marginalized voices, we can help create a more inclusive and diverse art world. Here’s to a year filled with hope, community, and meaningful art experiences.
