Ariella Tai - Swallow

swallow is a multi-channel video installation of visual gestures from contemporary television and film exploring parts of black femme existence considered less desirable for consumption. what resistance sits wet and warm in the offal? swallow considers the different imperatives around consumption that exist for black bodies and what it feels like to hunger for things that catch in your throat. how do we read black femme queerness into, underneath and behind these visual spaces? how does it look, feel and sound, to open things up so that we can fit inside?

ariella tai is a video artist, film scholar, and independent programmer from queens, new york. they are interested in the materiality of black bodies and black performance as vernaculars which subvert, interrupt or defy the diegetic cohesiveness of narrative. they currently re-appropriate, glitch and video process existing media in attempts to rupture and reconstruct some of the messier emotional realities of black femme existence. they are one half of “the first and the last,” a fellowship, workshop and screening series supporting and celebrating the work of black women and femmes in film, video and new media art.

DANCERS

Bouton (they/them) is a modern dance/vogue fusion performer. They study film at PSU and actively explore the dance and film world through concerts and collaborations with local artists.

Debris (he/him) is a queer performance artist who performs solo or with The House of Flora, where he is the auntie of the House.  Debris hosts parties and social justice oriented events in addition to being a mentor and leader in the PNW ballroom scene. Known for his high fashion, avant-garde looks and out of proportion effects, Debris highlights and exaggerates the finest of masculine and feminine black culture, taking inspiration from the ballroom legends of history and 90’s runway model icons.  By day, Debris is a botanist.