Constructed Identities is a solo exhibition of sculptural works by Persimmon Blackbridge, one of Canada’s most recognized Artists that identifies as living with a disability. This touring exhibition was most recently hosted by Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture at the Pendulum Gallery in Vancouver in the summer of 2021.
The artist combines wood carving with found objects to question how disability is framed as a fracturing of ordinary life rather than a normal, expected part of it. Her exploration of the human figure begins in disability, but necessarily complicates itself as our embodied identities intersect and overlap.
VocalEye is thrilled to offer a virtual tour of highlights from this exhibit with special guests, Persimmon Blackbridge and Kickstart’s artistic director, Jenna Reid.
The VocalEye virtual lobby opens at 6:30 pm Pacific Time for some socializing and community updates with host Amy Amantea. The pre-show introduction will begin at 6:45 pm with Amy and guests. The featured show begins at 7 pm followed by conversation, Q and A and a prize draw.
If you’ve never attended a VocalEye Almost Live Zoom event before, you can register for just one event or sign up for the full season. A Zoom link and reminder will be sent to you on the day of the event. Almost Live events are designed for people with sight loss, but everyone is welcome.
Register here or call 604-364-5949
ABOUT THE ARTIST
For the past 45 years, Persimmon Blackbridge has worked as a sculptor, writer, curator and performer, as well as being an editor, cleaning lady and very bad waitress.
She has consistently made art on themes of disability since the late 1970s, as well as art, writing and performance on institutionalization, censorship, queer identity, generational alcoholism, feminism and war.
Winner of the VIVA award for visual arts in 1991, a 1995 Lambda Award in Washington DC, the 1997 Ferro Grumley Fiction Prize in New York City, the 1998 Van City Book Award, and an Emily Carr Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000, Blackbridge’s work been shown across Canada and the U.S., as well as in Europe, Australia and Hong Kong.
