Thursday, July 05, 2007

kiss my hyphen (on love across margins)

Minette Lee Mangahas
Sumi-e (ink painting) animation (2007)
4 min. 40 sec.

I have a love-hate relationship with this symbol called the hyphen. Often used to connect parts of our identity, it’s a sign that both unites and divides, defines and misleads. It is supposed to represent diversity within a person, and yet I often feel that is so inadequate in explaining who we are—our complex communities, histories, and selves—and most importantly, our connection to each other. What happens when this mark comes between two people in love?

Premiered at the 2007 APAture Arts Festival in San Francisco, Ca.
Currently at Joyce Gordon Gallery
Opening Fri., Oct. 5
Reception Thurs., Oct. 11, 5-8:30pm
406 14th Street (@ Franklin), Oakland, Ca