• Shannon Finnegan

  • 2020

Artist's Website

Grant Summary
Fellowship.
Keywords
Artist Statement
In my art practice, I think about how we, as communities, can move towards better and more nuanced approaches to access. Instead of focusing on compliance and doing the minimum, what if we approach access creatively and generously, centering disability culture? How do we make spaces and experiences that disabled people not only can access, but want to access? Some of my recent work includes Anti-Stairs Club Lounge, an ongoing project that gathers people together who share an aversion to stairs; Alt-Text as Poetry, a collaboration with Bojana Coklyat that explores the expressive potential of alt-text; and Do You Want Us Here or Not, a series of benches designed for exhibition spaces.

  • My pace is the best pace for me 2017, Shannon Finnegan, Colored pencil. Image description: Red, hand-drawn text on a blue textured background that reads, “Falling behind in a group of people walking.” Courtesy of the artist.

  • Do you want us here or not 1 2018, Shannon Finnegan, MDO, paint. Designed in consultation with Charles Mathis and Chat Travieso, fabrication by Charles Mathis. Image description: A blue bench with hand-painted text that reads, “This exhibition has asked me to stand for too long. Sit if you agree.” Courtesy of the artist.

  • Do you want us here or not 2 2018, Shannon Finnegan, MDO, paint. Designed in consultation with Charles Mathis and Chat Travieso, fabrication by Charles Mathis. Image description: A blue bench that reads, “I’d rather be sitting. Sit if you agree.” Courtesy of the artist.

  • Anti-Stairs Club Lounge at the Vessel 2019, Shannon Finnegan, Custom beanies, cushions, large-print newspapers featuring Kevin Gotkin’s article Stair Worship from The Avery Review, snacks, paperwork. Hudson Yards, New York City, NY. Photo by Maria Baranova. Courtesy of the artist. Image description: About 40 people posed in front of the Vessel sporting neon orange, Anti-Stairs Club Lounge beanies and holding Anti-Stairs Club Lounge Signs.