petra makes

the beginning of a breakdown of a system that refuses to nurture OR at some point, we all die

November, 2014

Please join us for an evening of problematic cupcakes, performance, and participation.

July 26, 2014  /  6-9p  /  Surplus Space, 3726 NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR, InFATuation is a collaborative show between Katie Piatt and Petra Fortes-Schramm investigating and reclaiming the space in which (fat) female bodies reside. As body-positive movements have come into public discourse, fat-acceptance and fat-positive movements have been met with increasing scrutiny and animosity, most often wrapped in paternalistic concern for fat peoples’ health. What kinds of agency can fat parties claim? What sort of sizeist conversations are occurring? Are we adding to the fat/skinny binary? In what ways can we challenge, even break, the beauty/health standard? Through personal narrative, video and sculpture, Katie Piatt will address inherited bodily commands aimed at her habitus. Petra Fortes-Schramm’s in-process digital and analog research aims towards creating a fat pedagogy in partnership with online and IRL audiences that will culminate in a manifesto. Performance will occur at 7:30.

"Mantequilla" from the Yo Comprendo Español series

2013

"Tortuga" from the Yo Comprendo Español series

2013

Quick snapshots from Reflect/Refract: iterations of self

So, I curated this show featuring some amazing artists. The opening was a success: got some great comments regarding the show and work; people ate the snacks; and good conversation was had. 

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Reflect/Refract: iterations of self

October 10-13, 2013

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 10, 6:00 - 9:00 pm @ Place, 700 SW 5th Ave, 3rd Floor, Portland, Oregon [map]

Cindy Burton  |  Courtney Coles  |  Demian Dine’ Yazhi‘ Molly Bush  |  Samirah Raheem Reflect/Refract: iterations of self is a four-day group show, curated by (maría)petra fortes-schramm, wherein five artists investigate the self and its repeated representation. All art may be self-referential, but what of overt self-reference that occurs in self-portraiture? Are self-portraits to be understood as indulgent or narcissistic, expressions of the soul, honest examinations of one’s self, or self-determined self-representation? What results in repetition of the genre; clarity, abstraction, redundancy? This show asks viewers and artists to examine the stakes involved in self-portraiture. What claims are we making of ourselves, and the world in which we are situated, through the repeated gesture of self- representation, and what are the effects of this practice? -  -  -  -  The Interim Series is one of Place’s newest programs. We offer up our space a week before our newest shows to a class, a student curator, an innovative night of performance, or a special project.

Feminism is so dumb

2013

"Pan" from the Yo Comprendo Español series

2013

"Bolsa" from the Yo Comprendo Español series

2013

"Ojo" from the Yo Comprendo Español series

2013

"Taza" from the Yo Comprendo Español series

2013