By JULES SHINKLE
BG Independent News
The third annual Transcendence Art Show began Saturday morning and will continue through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition is located in the BG Arts Council’s ArtSpace at 178 S. Main St., behind Coyote Beads & Jewelry and accessed via their door near City Parking Lot 3.
Jax Foster, an artist who works under the moniker Thistle and Berry, organized the first Transcendence Art Show three years ago. “In the beginning, I did a body of work during my medical transition that I couldn’t really get into galleries.”
“I decided to make a show that I wouldn’t have to worry about getting rejected for based on content, and in doing that, facilitated a space for about 12 of us and myself.”
Transcendence has evolved over the years. “Our second year, we had 32 [artists]. This year, we have 26 and 31 pieces total.”
“We’re learning every year. We’re adjusting to accommodate accessibility and accommodate different mediums.” One such addition is a self-guided audio tour, which gives detailed descriptions of each work as well as any accompanying artist statements.
Another change this year is the inclusion of live performances – Monday’s musical act will be at 4 p.m. Following the show’s conclusion, a vendor exhibition will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Transcendence also serves as a fundraiser for No More Dysphoria. The non-profit organization provides financial aid to individuals with transition-related expenses.
Most of the pieces on display are by Bowling Green locals. Foster hopes to attract artists from across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan as the event gains popularity.
Some of the artists, like GM O’Hare, have exhibited all three years: “The first year was pretty small, and now … it feels like a big community event, which is super cool.”
Transcendence gives an opportunity to broaden the horizons for trans people who, like Foster three years ago, wanted a place to call their own. O’Hare elaborated on this, saying, “Personally, I didn’t know a lot of people before this. I think a lot of people have met each other through events like this.”
“It is, I think, really important for us, especially to have a place to congregate, have the connections to network, to find other people so we have a safe space.”
Their works this year are titled “Neurons As Seen Through the Microscope of Golgov Klimt” and “Beyond the Anatomy (AKA That Which Carries My Brain From Room to Room.)” The latter depicts a human skull bisected in half; while the left side is realistic, the right side’s bones contain impressionistic scenes of nature.
Inspired by their education as a medical student, O’Hare is considering putting their talents toward medical illustration.
Work and art are also entwined for tattoo artist James Perrine. Their piece “Jorogumo Study 2” bears thick black lines and vivid colors commonly associated with American traditional-style tattoos. Colored pencil, sharpie, and eraser smudges dot the spider-woman, imperfections that Perrine embraces as emblematic of their current mood.
“Just Following Orders” depicts an aggressor donning various fascist symbols. The portrait is shot through and has had its edges burned.
“Together, the two pieces represent my daily state of mind. Flipping between worry about the world, worry about my art, worry about providing for my family and keeping my neighbors safe.”
Reflections of a political moment particularly hostile towards trans people shape some of the art here. Also present are expressions of unwavering resolve and self-love.
Transcendence is as much an art show as it is an exercise in building community. Though some of the exhibitors in the original show have moved on to other cities, the fact that they return to Bowling Green for Transcendence is a testament to the strength of camaraderie.
