Holden Willard
Portland, USA
EDJI Gallery is thrilled to present : 'Beyond The Fields', a duo show bringing together Robert Martin & Holden Willard, two American queer artists coming together to present their perspective of life in rural America.
Growing up as a queer individual in rural areas is always more challenging. The lack of visibility and limited access to supportive resources often forces queer youth to grapple with feelings of isolation, making the path to self-acceptance more complex.
Through 'Beyond The Fields', Martin and Willard confront these challenges with distinctive perspectives. Martin draws inspiration from the natural environment, harmonizing queerness with the rusticity of nature. In contrast, Willard focuses on human connections, highlighting the warmth and resilience found in supportive relationships.
The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the diverse paths to self-discovery within the context of environmental upbringing. Martin and Willard illuminate the intersections of queerness and rurality and offer us a fresh and original depiction of identity building.
VERNISSAGE: 27th of March 2024 from 6pm to 9pm.