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Gender/bender…

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Thomas Allen Harris exhibited the film “Splash,” a piece that explored the interplay between childhood, sexuality, and gender (not to be confused with the Daryl Hannah mermaid flick). The deeply personal piece was the oldest of the group, composed all the way back in 1991. Harris arrived late and missed most of organizer, Kharis Kennedy‘s, questions; unfortunate because it remains to be seen how his ideas have evolved in the intervening years.

The standout presentation of the evening had to be the two films by young artist Sarah Maple, “Who Would Wood Wank,” and “Saw.” The former, especially, was incredibly thought-provoking, especially coming from such a young artist. Maple, who was brought up Muslim but attended Catholic school, combines high fashion, masturbation, and the Islamic burqa in an uncomfortable but fascinating way that has to be seen to be believed.

Maple is soft spoken, intelligent, and funny. When Montano answered a question about gender and performance with a string of clicks, pops, and nonsense words, Maple took the microphone next and quipped that her response to the same question was, “What she said.” Maple seems to be bursting with things to say about religion, youth, and public/private personas. “I think anyone who was brought up into a religious tradition, well, you feel guilt straight away, because you want to be a good person.” Keep your eye out for this interesting and insightful new voice.

Click here to see the photo gallery from the event!

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