ROE V. WADE : a Conversation Through Art

November 4 - 26, 2022

In June 2022, the United States Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overruled Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision that confirmed individuals the right to have an abortion–a facet of bodily autonomy. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, what was known for fifty years was no longer guaranteed, with some changes immediately enacted.

 As artists, we have the opportunity to create works that can synthesize our cultural timeline with emotion. These works we make can help process the complex conversations we now face as a society through the voice of visual art, poetry, and movement. This exhibition, the first show organized by fsm., is a platform for these creatives to share their thoughts, perspectives, and histories, sometimes quite personal, other times factual or abstracted. It is a show of questions and demands. The works may talk of anger or frustration, sorrow or love. Together, as an exhibition, they are a record of where we are right now. And, they are parts of a conversation about where we go from here.

 The artists in this exhibition answered an open call placed by fsm. to share their viewpoints in whichever way they chose. We did not judge the works, and we ask that you not judge them either but instead take them as what they are: the voice of the creative class.

 For the opening reception on October 4th, there will be a poetry reading and movement performance. The October issue of the fsm. arts journal serves as a companion to this exhibition. This show and the accompanying issue were made possible through the generosity of newARTSpace to utilize their space, financial support from both a grant from the Canary Fund, Green Bay, as well as community support, and the brave voices of the creatives whose work you are now witness to.

 In art and action.

Guest Curator Cristian Andersson