Rebecca Artemisa, Trinidad Escobar, Ashanti Fortson, Melanie Gillman, Levi Hastings, Christine Mari, Erin Nations, Kosmo X. Parker, Jules Scheele, Christine Suggs, Sunmi, and Antoinette Thomas
September 30 – October 21, 2021
Curated by Iris Bechtol and Lynné Bowman Cravens
The Art Galleries at TCU presented Sequential Self: Gender and Identity in Comics, focusing on artists in the genre of comics. This exhibition showcased twelve artists whose work illuminates the complexity and intersectionality of gender and identity through autobiographical, historical, and fantastical narratives. Sequential Self: Gender and Identity in Comics was on-view at Moudy Gallery from September 30 – October 21, 2021, with an opening reception on Thursday, September 30th from 5-7pm, hosted outdoors in the Moudy courtyard.
Sequential Self: Gender and Identity in Comics featured works by Rebecca Artemisa, Trinidad Escobar, Ashanti Fortson, Melanie Gillman, Levi Hastings, Christine Mari, Erin Nations, Kosmo X. Parker, Jules Scheele, Christine Suggs, Sunmi, and Antoinette Thomas. This exhibition was curated by artists Iris Bechtol, Cultural Programs Coordinator, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, and Lynné Bowman Cravens, Gallery Manager, The Art Galleries at TCU.
At the heart of Sequential Self is a love of comics and a desire to share the visual and written narrative of artists working in the genre. Mainstream comics have often favored cisgender white male voices, while creators who do not identify as such have remained at the fringes. However, in recent years there has been a steady turn towards inclusivity in both mainstream and indie comics, showcasing stories reflecting a variety of experiences, voices, and identities. As diverse creators have flourished and gained more followers, it is important that their voices are amplified and celebrated.
Comics can offer the viewer an intimate connection with artists and stories being told that goes beyond other artforms. The artists featured in Sequential Self share personal and honest stories of self-discovery, explore cultural histories and ancestral roots, delve into the multidimensional aspects of sexuality and gender, navigate mental health and physical disabilities, address race and identity, and look back through history to explore unseen narratives. Their sophisticated storytelling, character development, and strong illustrative styles invite readers into snippets of their personal experiences or worlds that mirror real life.
In Moudy Gallery, Sequential Self presents a combination of digitally created comics and works made using traditional mediums, showing the wide range and approaches to producing comics. Not only exploring the diversity in creators and topics, but also in form and media. The gallery will also host a reading library for visitors to utilize while in the space. The in-gallery library will feature more extensive comics, graphic novels, and anthologies featuring the exhibiting artists, plus many other artists and creators. These materials will be donated to TCU’s Mary Couts Burnett Library at the end of the exhibition.
Live events accompanying the exhibition included:
- Opening reception hosted outdoors in the Moudy courtyard, Thursday, September 30th, 5-7pm
- Artist Talk and Workshop by artist Christine Suggs, Friday, October 8th, 1-3pm. Capacity for this event is limited to meet Covid-19 restrictions.
- Curator Talk in Moudy Gallery by Iris Bechtol and Lynné Bowman Cravens, Tuesday, October 12th, 12-1pm. Capacity for this event is limited to meet Covid-19 restrictions.
- Virtual Panel Discussion featuring a selection of the exhibiting artists will premiere on The Art Galleries at TCU YouTube channel, Monday, October 18th, at 6pm.
Live programming for Sequential Self: Gender and Identity in Comics was funded in part by the TCU College of Fine Arts, Arts Programming & Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiative.