Grant Summary
Fellowship.
Keywords
Artist Statement
My creative practices are based in relationships, the smallest unit of life, as my comrades at Movement Generation like to say. All creation is collaborative by nature; we are in conversation with trees or ancestors or other artists, or with our own pain or joy. Of course I try to reflect Disability Justice practices which is really hard given capitalist demands of productivity and timelines, while living in relation to the medical-industrial-complex, within ableism, within white supremacy, when the normalized violence and control of cis-heteropatriarchy is reflected at the highest levels of government – it takes its toll on us whether or not we’re conscious of it. I think a key to my work is connecting the tangible of today with the visions of a liberated tomorrow. I hope my work creates liberated zones, opening spaces where we can value and love ourselves and all beings. I don't mean to sound cheezy, but I think that love has a central place in the world.
  • Obatala, 2016, Patty Berne. Performed by Lateef McLeod. Photo by Richard Downing.

  • Birthing, Dying, and Becoming Crip Wisdom, 2016., Patty Berne. Commemorative Poster; Mixed Media Screen Print. Courtesy of Patty Berne and Micah Bazant.

  • #CripBedLife: Gardening, 2016, Patty Berne. Photo by Anna Baron.

  • Disability Liberated Altar, 2015, Patty Berne., Multi-Media Sculpture. Photo by Richard Downing.