Saturday, November 16, 2024

Trans(formation): A Collaborative Portrait Series Exploring Gender Identity on Cape Cod

The Vineyard Haven Library is pleased to announce its latest Art in the Stacks exhibit: a collection of photographs by Cape-based photographer Julia Cumes, entitled “Trans(formation): A Collaborative Portrait Series Exploring Gender Identity on Cape Cod.” The exhibit will be on display in the lower level of the library during regular library hours from November 15 to December 15, 2024.

This evocative set of photographs explores the unique journeys of its subjects, inviting viewers to confront the expressive power and diversity of gender identity. The powerful project has been organized in collaboration with QueerHubMV. Additional photographs in the exhibit will be displayed at both Island Counseling and the MV Family Resource Center at MV Community Services, along with other venues. Julia will also give a talk and slideshow presentation at the MV Museum at 5:00 pm on Friday, November 15th.

Julia Cumes, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod’s 2024 Artist of the Year, brings a unique and powerful perspective to her work, shaped in part by her experience growing up in apartheid-era South Africa. Through her lens, she uses photography as a means “to tell stories, to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, to reveal truth, and to inspire others to create meaningful change in our lives, our communities, and our world.” Julia’s work not only captures moments but also reflects her commitment to social impact and the power of storytelling.

Julia’s work has been published in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, Associated Press, and USA Today, among others. She was a 2017 Arts Foundation of Cape Cod fellow, an Art Within Reach grant recipient, and an Alexia Foundation student grant recipient. She holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, an M.F.A. in writing from Cornell University, and a Masters in Photojournalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. 

Art in the Stacks is an initiative of the Friends of the Library to provide artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art throughout the year. Artists interested in showing their work through “Art in the Stacks” may contact the Vineyard Haven Public Library at 508-696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.


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