Binary gender profiling begins pre-birth. Testing assigns a sex in utero and the inculcation of the gender divide begins, from the unveiling parties that have arisen with gendered cakes assigned colors and symbols to highly specific offerings in clothing, toys and accessories for children. From the boy/girl lineup present in many schools to the numbers of women entering STEM careers, gender is ubiquitous, LISTEN: Artists Respond to Politics, explores the diversity of responses among 13 cis and trans women and gender non-conforming artists to our current political times and the #MeToo movement. Political upheaval forces society to name the wrong, to define oneself, to advocate for the rights of ourselves and others, and to respond to oppression of all marginalized groups. The artists explore social, political and gender constructs and how they play a part in sexual harassment, assault and the emergence of the #MeToo movement. Is there a direct correlation to how one is depicted and how they are treated? How are sexualized depictions of women in the media contributing to sexual assault? How are trans women and gender non-conforming persons represented in the media? How can the tide be shifted? In these troubling times voices need to be heard. We want you to listen and respond. Visitors will be asked to share their reactions, ideas and plans for confronting theseissues.
Francheska Alcantara’s work explores Caribbean culture and the diaspora. Alcantara examines core aspects of the #MeToo movement and the public and private aspects of coming forward about sexual assault and harassment. Seyi Adebanjo is a gender-non-conforming trans artist whose film focuses on the impact queer/trans/gender non-conforming persons are having in the Bronx and living proudly, with joy and boldness. Lizzy Alejandro’s work addresses menstrual equality and taxation of sanitary products as luxury items, encasing sanitary products in gold and jewels bringing to light the lack of equity in access to women’s health needs. Pamela Cortez’s digitally manipulated photographs depicts women as both powerful and delicate, possessing the ability to carry and give life. Based on the artist’s experience as a transgender femme-identified individual, JP-Anne Judy Giera’s mixed media installation elucidates the complexities of public restroom use

BronxArtSpace (BAS) is a non-profit gallery that promotes the innovative ideas of underrepresented and emerging artists and curators. BAS is dedicated to exhibiting the highest quality artwork from the Bronx and beyond in order to foster dialogue around today's pressing issues and advance local arts education and opportunities. BAS is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization, and is generously supported by private donors and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with City Councilmember Diana Ayala and The New York State Council on the Arts. BAS is a member of the Urban Arts Cooperative.