Work Won't Save Us
machinemachine group art show opening tonight in Phoenix
Tonight is the opening of the group art show machinemachine, a critique of the trauma of labor under US capitalism, and I have three artworks on display in the company of nineteen other multimedia artists. This is a first for me, and I’m predictably under-reacting about it. I will probably cry seeing art I’ve made on a wall next to art by people I’ve admired for years and years. I made three collage/lino print illustrations that critique the US food system, in particular the workers exploited for convenience at the grocery store.
The show is curated by Charissa Lucille (you remember them from my newsletter about zines) and opens at The Project Space (1345 W McKinley St, Phoenix, AZ 85007) on tonight, Friday, November 15 from 6-9p with a performance taking place at 7p.
This exhibit includes a variety of artworks including sculptures, fiber artworks, quilts, paintings, interactive art, and collage. Show graphics include close-ups of artworks by Charissa Lucille, Misako Yamazaki, Haley Orion, and Michelle Dawn.
machinemachine includes artworks by artists Devin Kate Pope, Marlaina Larsen Thorslev, Stacy LeFevre, Michelle Dawn, Pigeon Inkwell & Zoe Sugg, maryhope|whitehead|lee, Maira McDermott, AmyLou Bogen, Liz Miller, Dempsey Keenan, Celleste Murtagh, Timothea Haider, Misako Yamazaki, Tori Holder, Emma Bush, Tonissa Saul, and Haley Orion.
I’m still considering what to read. Either excerpts from the following essays, or a poem published a few years back that is set at a family dinner. It will probably be a game-time decision.
And I plan to bake either
’s Carrot-Ginger Cake, ’ Bourbon loaf cake or ’s Piloncillo Sweet Potato Cake for snacking at the opening. (Or maybe two if I have the time.) All three recipes, notably, are vegan which feels right to me for an event that critiques capitalism. There is a sweet, beautiful world without eggs and dairy!If you’re local, I’d love to see you tonight (masks required, will be provided if you forget yours) or for you to check out the show before it closes the week of Dec 16. If you don’t live in Phoenix, check out the website — Charissa will be updating it with photos from the event over the next few weeks.
In the week after an election where the only winners were billionaires, this show feels timely. I’m really grateful to be part of it — and for the possibilities and history of art as resistance.
The Good Enough Weekly comes out on Fridays, alternating essays and shorter updates. I also take on freelance editing and writing projects. Reach out if you’re looking for help in those departments — I’ve worked on everything from zines to textbooks.
This exhibit sounds SO COOL -- I wish I could see it! Congrats on being in it! And wow what good snacking cake options ;) <3
Congratulations...and best of luck!