Opening Reception: Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
This exhibition is inspired by the beautiful lives of transgender people across Canada and America. As trans rights continue to be under threat in America, this exhibition is a reminder of the individuals who are trying to live their lives in a society that continues to demonize them. The sculptures in this exhibition are based on the unique passions held by each of the trans people represented. This is to showcase that although being trans is an important aspect of one’s being, it is only one component of their complex identities. Trans Passions showcases trans joy, the strength of community and the fulfilling lives that trans people are living within the greater society.
Within the gallery there are 18 audio recordings of the subjects of these artworks speaking about their passions and their own experiences being trans. These stories shed light on the diversities and complexities of the trans experience, as well as showcase so many incredible achievements that trans people have made. There are many ways of expressing one’s trans identity and many paths taken to get there.
This project was made possible with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
About the Artist
Jai Sallay-Carrington is a Canadian sculptural ceramic artist from Vancouver BC and Montreal QC. After receiving their BFA from Concordia University in 2014, they spent many years traveling around Canada, USA and Europe attending artist residencies, installing exhibitions and teaching workshops. Jai has been awarded grants from Canada Council of the Arts, SODEC and CALQ. They earned their MFA from the University of Washington in 2023, receiving the De Cillia Graduating with Excellence Award. Being awarded the Lormina Salter Fellowship brought Jai to Baltimore Clayworks for the year long residency from 2023-2024.
