Soft Armor: Dead Branches, Old Sneakers, Joy
My triptych, Soft Armor: Dead Branches, Old Sneakers, Joy, will be displayed on the Volunteer of the Month wall in the CPA Gallery from Saturday, August 1 to Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Soft Armor: Dead Branches, Old Sneakers, Joy continues my exploration of how identity and belonging take shape through expression, gesture, and posture. Gender expression can be a kind of armor, soft on the outside and resilient underneath. The triptych brings together masculinity and femininity, playfulness and resolve, inviting viewers to consider how identity is both performed and protected.
The Center for Photographic Art has been central to my artistic development since I joined in early 2025. Its artist talks, exhibitions, workshops, and portfolio reviews introduced me to a generous community that continues to challenge and expand my practice. I began volunteering with CPA in 2026 as a way to give back to a community that has been meaningful to my growth.