My Body My Voice is a juried exhibition of regional artists that aims to address the political issues surrounding our human rights for bodily autonomy and freedom from persecution based on our anatomy, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status, or skin color. The selected works of art employ a variety media, from photography to bas relief mixed media, to printmaking and performance art created by artists from fourteen distinct communities around the Central Coast to the Bay Area. Each artist has engaged the theme of My Body My Voice in a considered­ and timely way ­ – sometimes with humor; sometimes with explicit­­­ grit. All artworks in the show have been produced in the last three years.

 

Curated by: Diana Corvelle, Melissa Smedley and Denese Sanders

 

The call to action for this exhibition was in response to the recent wave of legislation and inflammatory political strategizing to end women’s reproductive rights and access to healthcare. Art can play a vital role in our human capacity to express and question our cultural expectations and evolution. We hope the work in this show is a catalyst for reflection, dialogue and ultimately inspiration for social action and engagement. Twenty percent of the entry fees from the artists has been donated to Planned Parenthood.

 

PERFORMANCE ART

For the first time, Open Ground Studios has invited performance artists to exhibit and we are delighted to showcase three local artists’ work during the Opening Reception.

Each short performance interprets the My Body My Voice theme very differently, drawing from spoken word, movement, and living sculpture.