My First Art Show: VICISSITUDES

On November 28 evening, I hosted my first ever art show. It showcased my collection of work, VICISSITUDES, which is made up of five photographs and five digital art illustrations that represent different steps that we go through in times of change. This collection is heavily inspired by my gender transition and many other changes that I have embraced this year.

I feel so thankful for everyone who helped make this show happen everyone who gathered to see my art for the first time. I still cannot believe that the show sold out in five days. It took place in a cozy studio in Chinatown, music by DJ Gasolina was playing for the duration of the show, there was an interactive piece encouraging self-reflection, and we offered drinks, popcorn, and Polaroid photos to take home.

I was definitely nervous to have people looking at my art for the first time. 

I was definitely nervous to have people looking at my art for the first time. This collection is so incredibly personal and it took a lot of vulnerability to create it. I was determined to use this show as an opportunity to see people's reactions and hear the different interpretations of my work. By stepping outside of my comfort zone I was able to have some truly wonderful conversations that will always stay with me. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to discuss my work with me and to tell me about how it impacted you.

Click here to see the VICISSITUDES collection.

Empty room features ten prints on display on the wall, and a piece of glass leaning against the wall with the label "What changed?".

Bertie, DJ Gasolina, and Lau smiling at the camera around the DJ booth

A crowd of people are facing away from the camera looking at the art on the wall

A crowd of people are walking and talking in the studio, one person is smiling at the camera and holding a cup of popcorn. Another hand holding a cup of popcorn is in the bottom center of the image.

Bertie and DJ Gasolina are behind the DJ booth smiling. The photo is in black and white

Bertie and their parents are smiling at the camera. Mom and dad are each holding one of Bertie's prints. The photo is in black and white

A collection of ten polaroid photos feature various guests at the event.

 

Two polaroid photos feature Bertie with their partner and sister, and with DJ Gasolina.

A polaroid photo features two guests at the event smiling

A polaroid photo features Bertie and their family: mom, dad, brother, and sister

The interactive art piece at the event is a large glass surface leaning against a wall, with the words "What changed?" painted on. Guests have used markers to write down things that changed for them in the past year and have filled up the glass surface.

The interactive art piece at the event is a large glass surface leaning against a wall, with the words "What changed?" painted on. Guests have used markers to write down things that changed for them in the past year and have filled up the glass surface.