The Barbican was designed to be different
Speakers
Speakers
Dr. Joseph McBrinn (Panel Moderator) is a Reader at the Belfast School of Art at Ulster University and the author of Queering the Subversive Stitch (2020), a survey exploring the under-examined history of men and needlework, and how ‘needlemen’ have subverted traditional ideals of masculinity. His publications include Sophia Rosamond Praeger, 1867-1954: Art, Literature, Science (2007) and Northern Rhythm: The Art of John Luke, 1906-1975 (2012). He has contributed to numerous academic and specialist subject journals, such as Art History, Oxford Art Journal, Fashion Theory, Home Cultures, Interiors: Design, Architecture, Culture, Women’s History Review, and Embroidery.
Sarah Zapata (b. 1988, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA) is a Peruvian American artist whose work explores the spaces between cultures, time periods, craft and fine art. As a crucial part of her heritage, textiles allow Zapata to express herself in both contexts without compromising her personal identity. By working with traditional materials and techniques, the artist reaches out to her ancestors, the histories of her native countries and the cultural practices that shape her contemporary reality. Zapata is based in Brooklyn, New York.
LJ Roberts (b. 1980, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA) is an artist working in installation, textiles, collage and text. Their practice addresses queer and trans politics, material deviance, alternative kinship structures, archives and narrative. Textile is a strong thread in their work, as they use the medium to address subjects ranging from created communities and activism to protest banners, to the legacy of HIV/AIDS activists and historical queer houses. Roberts is dedicated to expanding the possibilities for LGBTQI+ people and has collaborated with Visual AIDS, an organisation in the USA that aims to open dialogues about the AIDS epidemic.
