The recent exhibition at BRIC in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, titled “to hold a we,” showcased the work of 14 early-career artists with disabilities. The opening night was a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, with co-curator danilo machado praising the artists for their creativity and talent. The exhibition aimed to center care, collaboration, and interdependence within disability communities, drawing inspiration from various sources such as Constantina Zavitsanos and Park McArthur’s “SCORE FOR LIFT AND TRANSFER” and Sins Invalid activists’ 10 Principles of Disability Justice.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition was Alex Dolores Salerno’s “Effleurage,” a sculpture made from maple burl wood that evoked a sense of tenderness and care. The exhibition also featured works that incorporated text as a form of disruption and pedagogy, challenging viewers to engage with the content on a deeper level.
However, the exhibition also raised questions about accessibility and unconscious biases in the art world. The reviewer noted that their personal tastes and preferences were influenced by their able-bodied privilege, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and equitable art world. The exhibition served as a corrective to the tokenization of disabled artists in mainstream art spaces, emphasizing the importance of representation and visibility.
Overall, “to hold a we” was a powerful showcase of talent and creativity, challenging viewers to rethink their preconceived notions of disability and accessibility. The exhibition encouraged a deeper engagement with art and highlighted the need for a more inclusive and diverse art world.
