‘APATHiE' is a group exhibition showcasing the work of Marissa Malik, Sarah Gay O’Neill, Jennifer Murphy, Olivia Portegello (Flatline Zines), and Dael Mundy.
The artworks in ‘APATHiE' consider the constructs of femme identity through methods of coping with anger and outrage resulting from western patriarchy. How do femmes maintain their motivation to combat oppression in the wake of constant exhaustion due to stagnant societal progress?
The artists in this show are in constant dialogue with this question; each addressing it through the context of their personal narratives. The range of topics discussed include trauma, rape culture, feminism, and biracial identity. Together, ‘APATHiE’ creates a body of work displaying these intersectional feminist issues.
Marissa Malik
www.marissa-malik.com
IG: @mariimals
Marissa Malik is a visual artist working in printmaking, painting, and digital media. She works as a professional screen printer at the Antidesigns studio in South Boston, and as an artist for the record label Artikal Music UK. Her work has been featured in THUMP Magazine, Urban Outfitters Without Walls, and notable galleries such as BLANC, Thomas Young, Trisolini, 301, and Lace. She recently created a sound installation at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, with collaborator Dael Mundy. Malik utilizes her experience as a biracial American, in addition to her knowledge of sociology, to comment on contemporary modes of racialization in the United States through fusing symbols from Pakistani and Mexican culture.
Sarah Gay O’Neill
www.HeySgay.com
IG: @heysgay
Sarah Gay-O’Neill (#HeySgay) is a human.
She uses mixed media to draw things she can’t synthesize into words.
She teaches in the Illustration department at LUCAD, works in a media lab at Harvard, and illustrates for various fashion companies throughout the US.
She resides in the inviting folds of Somerville with her friend Chris and her mini black panther.
Jennifer Murphy
http://cargocollective.com/jennifermm
IG: @j_deadflowers
Jennifer Murphy is a Boston based artist traditionally trained in printmaking. She is currently questioning what it means to be assigned a singular gender in today’s society. Jennifer uses her printmaking skills as a base to experiment with merging the tactile aspects of woodblock printmaking with the immersive energy of installation art through sculpture to prompt discussions around gender inequality. Jennifer prints reduction woodcuts on objects that are overtly feminine and “craft” oriented in order to speak to the oppression that women have faced over the years. These pieces often include sewing and yarn work to over emphasize the role society assigns to women. The work addresses the notions and connotations of what it means to be a woman in a male dominated world by the deconstruction of what is habitually expected of women. This tension is enhanced by bringing forth the beauty in deconstruction. As a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and Tufts University, Jennifer is part of the education staff at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston and practicing art therapy.
Olivia Portegello
IG: @flatline_zines
Olivia Portegello is a New Jersey native currently residing and practicing in Boston. Coming from a strong photographic background, Olivia quickly discovered her passion for zine making and craft-based practices. In 2015 she began releasing her work as Flatline Zines. Dealing primarily with the themes of mental illness, sexuality, stream of consciousness writing, and femininity, her work gives viewers an eerily accurate look at what goes on inside her head.
Dael Mundy
IG: @therealdael
Dael Mundy is a New York raised artist currently residing in Boston. Her work explores ideas of gender and sexuality; questioning how one's autonomy is shaped by the norms of their society. Mundy’s work often features the female forms entangled in plants, flowers, animals, and hair. These images are inspired by the creations of her ancestors whom have generationally struggled with mental health and used creative practices as a mode of self expression. Mundy utilizes these images to form a critic on the continuous impact society has over women's voices and bodies.