I’m Queer and I’m Here
The goal of the “I’m Queer and I’m Here” exhibition is to create dialog and conversations recognizing LGBTQIA2+ identities, ideologies, expressions, and politics.
Featured Artists: Nadia Menchaca (She/Her), Eboneigh Laurelle (They/Them), Selena Mize (She/Her), Teonna Yvonne Belk (She/'They), Holly Ferguson (She/Her), Kait (She/Her), Zachary Nguyen-Moore (He/Him), Koi Dewberry (They/Them)
Nadia Menchaca (She/Her)
Bio/Artist Statement:
Nadia Menchaca is a recent graduate from Midwestern State University with an emphasis in photography and painting. Her work varies from alternative printing processes to archival inkjet. Her work focuses on race, gender, and sexuality in hopes that the work she produces will help others view the topic from a new angle. She picks these topics because she has dealt with hatred and cruelty towards being a Mexican lesbian woman. She has been judged for being different than everyone else. Due to the subject of her work, the viewer might feel shock, anger, sadness, or, in rare situations, understanding.
Social Media:
Instagram: @knifeknadia
Eboneigh Laurelle (They/Them)
Bio/Artist Statement:
Eboneigh (they/them) is a non-binary fiber artist (knitting, crochet, embroidery, etc.) originally from Fort Worth, TX and now living in Wichita Falls. They are heavily inspired by tarot, palmistry, and other ways that people make sense of, or story, themselves and the world.
Selena Mize (She/Her)
Bio/Artist Statement:
Selena Mize is a figurative artist and muralist based in Wichita Falls, Texas. Although the majority of her artwork focuses on the portraitures of those who inspired her at the time, she has recently branched out by incorporating pop culture icons into recent works. By doing this, she has stepped outside her comfort zone to paint individuals whom she does not know personally. Selena has also started experimenting with smaller, monochromatic portraits to enhance her painting capabilities. Using the elements of art, she creates a playful composition surrounded by vivid color palettes and geometric forms that enhance the personality of each painting. No matter the size of her work, Selena's attention to detail shines as she captures her subject.
Social Media:
@selenammize
Website:
Teonna Yvonne Belk
(She/They)
Bio/Artist Statement:
Teonna Yvonne Belk, a multimedia artist residing in Wichita Falls, TX, explores a diverse array of artistic mediums, including photography, ceramic sculpture, and beyond. While adverse to labels, she is open to any pronouns and identifies as pansexual and nonbinary. Her creative journey is deeply rooted in the exploration of poignant themes, particularly centered around societal constructs of race, gender, and sexual identity, as well as advocating for mental health awareness. Belk's artistic vision is driven by a desire to spark meaningful conversations and challenge entrenched societal norms. Through her work, she endeavors to foster openness and vulnerability, inviting viewers to engage with difficult topics and embrace dialogue. Drawing upon her education at Midwestern State University, much of her process and subject material reflects the technical skills and curriculum adhered through her schooling.
Social Media:
@longlostalien_ on instagram
Holly Ferguson (She/Her)
Bio/Artist Statement:
Holly Ferguson is a visual artist specializing in Painting. She holds a B.F.A. with an emphasis in painting and printmaking from Midwestern State University. Ferguson's practice explores psychological spaces, childhood nostalgia, and fantastical realism depicted in high chroma often including her self-portrait at different ages in her life. The imagery is created with both acrylic and oil paints on canvas. Each piece encourages introspection into personal yet pivotal moments and intends to find comfort within the uneasiness of life changes.
Social Media:
Instagram: @hollyfrguson
Kait (She/Her)
Bio/Artist Statement:
Kait, a 2021 graduate from MSU Texas with a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Photography, channels her artistic expression primarily through digital mediums with a focus on scanograms, photography, and typography. Kait's work examines the self-examination of internal conflicts, familial dynamics, and identity. Through her work, she invites viewers to dive into the complexities of the human experience.
Social Media:
Instagram: kait_marie40
Website:
kaitlinhancock.com
Zachary Nguyen-Moore (He/Him)
Bio/Artist Statement:
My art is a translation of the memories, inspirations, and obsessions stored in my mind, often focusing on the otherworldly aspects of queer nightlife. As a former drag queen, I have always had an appreciation for the art of glamour but am even more intrigued by the older generations of drag queens, trans entertainers, and other various nightlife personalities who had undergone sometimes questionable aesthetic enhancements. This series of multi-media masks explores that fascination. Whether painting, drawing, sculpting, costuming, interior design, cosmetic design, collage, or a mixture, I prefer to keep my process adventurous and full of new sensations.
Short Paragraph of What it Means to be Queer:
As queer individuals we owe nothing to the world. We should, however, heed a calling to share our perspective. So much ignorance regarding queer existence is due to a lack of exposure. To make true impact we must exist boldly and share without edit the countless facets of the queer experience, whether prideful, confident, ashamed, fearful, or mundane.
Koi Dewberry (They/Them)
Bio:
Koi Dewberry, a Wichita Falls local and Midwestern State University alum, works as an artist, advocate, and art teacher.
In their art, Koi aims to produce anime-inspired illustrations awash in vibrant hues. As an educator, Koi strives to foster an inclusive classroom where each student feels appreciated and empowered to flourish creatively, academically, and socially.
Artist Statement:
This series of artwork, titled "Connecting With The Body," delves into the complexities of maintaining a healthy relationship with one's own body. It explores themes such as eating disorders, mental health struggles, gender identity, and body image issues, shedding light on how these factors can impact both physical and mental well-being. Through my personal experiences as a queer black individual, the narrative of these pieces is uniquely shaped. While the imagery may not be universally relatable, there is a specific demographic that can find solace and connection in this series, using it as a means to confront their own personal challenges.
What it means to be a queer Artist:
Creating as a queer artist is akin to conjuring magic. I am aware that deviating from societal norms carries numerous challenges and potential dangers. However, embracing my true self and channeling it into my artwork allows me to feel truly understood by those within my community. Although it may occasionally isolate me as a creator, I believe the rewards of connecting with like-minded individuals make it all worthwhile.