VESSEL
OLIVIA JOHNSTON, WHITNEY LEWIS-SMITH, SARAH RUEST, ELLIOTT STRIKEFOOT + JENNIFER STEWART
JUNE 15 & 16, 2018 | GENERAL ASSEMBLY
With the exhibition VESSEL, six photo-based artists living in Ottawa present works on the subject of Elliott Strikefoot, a trans man, and his transition journey. Elliott has been our close friend since before beginning his transition; we have had the privilege of witnessing, supporting and photographing him through it. Elliott’s voice is present here, both as a participating artist and as the subject of artworks by others. His partner’s voice is also present, as a participating artist and as the subject of artworks by others.
The voices of LGBTQ+ people are often stifled or ignored; sharing Elliott’s experience of living life in both female and male bodies simultaneously provides visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in Ottawa and enriches knowledge and understanding amongst those who are not familiar with the first-hand stories of LGBTQ+ people. However, Elliott's story is not only relevant for trans* people, but as he has struggled to feel comfortable in his own body, he has realized his potential and discovered his vocation as a result of, and through, his transition journey. The universality of Elliott's experience, in his perseverance through challenges and how he has thrived, provides a hopeful narrative that builds empathy for the challenges that LGBTQ+ people face.
- Olivia Johnston
Alli Asudeh, 2013
Alli, pt. 1, 2 & 3
Audio pieces
2018
Alli (Elliott’s partner) was given a tape recorder and some handwritten questions. What you hear are a selection of her responses.
final piece was displayed on a slide projector with headphones
2013
show documentation // Olivia Johnston
