Opening Reception: October 6, 2023, 6-9pm
On view through October 28, 2023
Crossing Borders is a collaboration between Pink Progression and Athena Project. This group of diverse artists explores the limitless definitions of the term “border.” Is it a line separating two political or geographical areas? An edge or boundary that no one can cross, an invaded place? Or is it something much more personal?
Seen through the very distinct lens of each artist, this term may embrace migrant issues with their concomitant potential for human rights violations and sexual abuse—often a bitter reality for the vulnerable population of women living in the shadows at the edge of a place. Furthermore, borders may mean state lines in the United States which now stand as frightening barriers blocking women's reproductive freedom and endangering those who try to help them.
Colonialism would not exist without borders. It occurs when one nation or culture subjugates another, conquering and exploiting its population while forcing its own language and cultural values upon its people. In addition to these imposed physical divisions, invisible borders exist between people. These borders may be the result of cultural upbringing, race, gender and religion. Such boundaries may effectively prevent empathy, understanding and equality. Cultural challenges result, creating borders of expectation.
This exhibit does far more than simply explore the definition of this term. More specifically, each artist addresses how and at what price these borders may be crossed. In visually and conceptually striking ways, each artist places before the viewer important questions of human rights, cultural prejudices, inherent bias and stereotypes. We invite you to engage in this work, to allow yourself to be drawn into it.
The multi-dimensional narratives in Crossing Borders encourage inspiring, challenging discourse and candid discussions.
Athena Project focuses on getting women* artists out there for the world to know. For the world to grow. Athena Project is the Colorado nonprofit that celebrates and nurtures women’s artistic expression, working actively for equality of opportunity, recognition and pay based on artistic merit alone. We are excited to partner with the artist collective Pink Progression on this exhibition. Progression refers to the hope for progress in the issues that we explore as well as progressing away from prejudice/erroneous stereotypes. Pink Progression is an open collective, representing all gender expressions and identities, that explores social issues and concepts, such as human rights, equality, gender, identity, feminism, and more.
*At Athena Project, we believe that “women” means many things and can be a complicated term. We recognize that the term “women” does not automatically include all aspects of the gender spectrum. We want to create a safer space for the expression and growth for all women, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.