Hi folks,

It’s been awhile since I’ve written. I have been heads down in the studio for a bit in between some summer fun. Toss in the state of the world and it made it hard to keep up with the newsletter. There are so many things that seem out of my control. Refusing to get my photo taken by the TSA felt like a small win.

When I get into my studio it gives me a chance to build things and make choices that I want. With histories, systems and people being erased, I realize that getting my words together is important. Our stories are important. Our voices matter.

So, I am emerging and am excited to get my work out there to enjoy the conversations that follow.

The above photo shows the next phase of my Polaroid Series, “The Other Ones: Wigstock.” The paintings are based on Polaroids taken by Adjoa Stack in New York in the early 90’s. Wigstock is an outdoor drag festival that began in the mid 80’s. It served as the unofficial end of summer celebration for the NY gay community. It was usually held around Labor Day.

I am excited to share that I will be displaying the first of the finished works of this series at Enterprise Brewing in San Francisco on September 12th. The show will have a story telling component with Adjoa to kick off the show. This will be a really fun treat. Then we will let the dj take over.

Please join us at 1150 Howard (between 7th and 8th) in SF on Sept 12, 6pm. There will be a short talk/introduction at 6:30 ish.

It is going to be a party! Come ready to dance and bring your fancy.

This newsletter is a strong suggestion to save the date. I’ll send another reminder before it happens.

Cheers. Zoe

Latest Read: Theater of War In Which the Rebublic Becomes an Empire By Lewis Lapham. Try your local library or check out the link. I prefer not to add links to Amazon or Google so check the link above that gives a nice synopsis. It’s a book of essays/articles.

Art Date: Ruth Asawa Retrospective. Yes, I am finally getting to see this just under the wire. I have only heard good things.

Inspiration: Marsha P. Johnson Participant in the Stonewall Rebellion, LGBTQ activist and much more. She is in one of the Wigstock Polaroids that inspired me to take on this project.

Shout Out: To those who continue to exercise the right to peacefully protest and show up for each other.

This is #7 of Zoe Ani’s Tidbits & Tangents. You can subscribe or view the archives online.