“Sneaking in and out of thought” encapsulates the theme of this exhibition. This lyric by Shabazz Palaces, taken from the song that lends the exhibition its title, is all about validation and our experience of existence. Many artists in the queer community today address the question of recognition: this exhibition reinforces that not only are we here, we are visible and we are noticed. This Biennial aims to expand the queer artistic conversation and connect us by pointing out our similarities and our differences.

The works in the 2nd Art Student Biennial at the William Way LGBT Community Center bring together very personal works of art from diverse points of view. Whether consciously or unconsciously, these points of view emphasize our complexities and our resilience, showcasing the enormous talent of our local artists.

Arien Wilkerson, the juror for the exhibition, is interested in the conversation between the work and the mind. It is clear that each selection was considered carefully. Arien shared with me the mental narratives they created in the decision-making process that tie these works together. The beautifully constructed storytelling and landscapes of emotion that the juror felt is on view here, reinforcing that feeling of “I saw you” that I hope will resonate with viewers of this Biennial.

Gerard Silva
Curator

Jonathan Xue
René Rio
Isabel Hessler
Audrey Fox
Niels Mitchell
Alyssa Chandler
Natalie Manes

Ray Lapinski
Diana Lim
Taylor Pate
Yao Wang
Lasha Stewart
Rachel Maitre
Newell Catania
Naz Khoury
Kalila Jones
gigi varlotta
Aleksei Knaus

Liz Ramos
Gio Coppola
Kait Waldman
Elliot Reyburn Engles
Riley Gosnell
Jake Lahah
Blue Benét
Angel Gutierrez