Event

Assume Nothing by Rebecca Swan

Acclaimed mixed media artist Rebecca Swan from Aotearoa / New Zealand is in New York to launch Assume Nothing - a searingly beautiful book celebrating gender diversity. This work has been aptly described by Art News New Zealand as: "Touchingly intimate yet powerful no holds barred approach . . . tremendous tenderness".

Assume Nothing is also an exhibtion and film honouring gender diversity across cultures and continents - and resonates with the lanauage and music of Aotearoa and the Pacific. Rebecca's portraits and her working relationship with some of those photographed have been documented by award-winning film-maker Kirsty MacDonald.

This one night event is sure to open your heart and mind, make you laugh and cry, and leave you with an expanded sense of what's possible. It is an intoxicating cocktail of stunning performance, teasers from Assume Nothing the film and passionate insights from Rebecca into the heart of this 15 year project.

Films featuring:
MilDred Gerestant- the artist formerly known as Dred www.dredlove.com
Jack Byrne - performer, trans activist and Rebecca's partner
Shigeyuki Kihara- a celebrated multi media artist who is Samoan, Japanese and fa'afafine
Ema Lyon- a Maori weaver who describes herself as ia ( which in Te Reo Maori means both he and she).
Mani Bruce Mitchell- an intersex activist who shares the power of photographs in the reclaiming of her identity and

Performance by Jack Byrne and not yet confirmed MilDred

"Not only does Rebecca Swan provide us with a timely and evocative motto for the 21st century, she does it with style and panache. Assume Nothing shows us what it looks like when theory is put into practice with love and considerable skill." —Del LaGrace Volcano- gender variant visual artist and activist.