In the heart of Richmond, Virginia, the Iridian Gallery at Diversity Richmond hosted a powerful figurative ceramic exhibition during the 58th Convention of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA). Amidst the bustling conference, the Unregulated exhibition stood as a testament to the power of ceramic art in confronting societal norms, challenging inequality, and advocating for underrepresented voices. At its core, Unregulated is a rallying cry for inclusivity and representation within the ceramic arts community. In response to the pressing need to foster greater visibility for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC artists, the exhibition served as a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated.
This exhibition grew organically from a previous collaboration with Mac McCusker, with whom I worked on a solo exhibition, Trans-cendent: The T is not Silent, for the 2020 NCECA conference. After installing Mac's phenomenal solo exhibition in February 2020, the world shut down, limiting the reach and impact of the show. When I learned the conference was returning to Richmond in 2024, I knew I wanted to work with Mac again. After some discussion, we began planning, and the artists we invited also brought their perspectives and suggestions, enriching the exhibition with a diverse range of voices.
Featuring the sculptural works of CJ Carter, Jess Cheng, Nicki Green, GV Kelley, Mac McCusker, Jai Sallay-Carrington, and Victoria Walton, Unregulated boldly delved into themes of identity, prejudice, and the fears of otherness surrounding the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
