Design Dysphoria Celebrates Queer Art and Design

FDT Bureau

Design studio Studio S II recently joined forces with artists Grace Whiteside and Liz Collins to present Design Dysphoria, an exhibition highlighting furniture and artwork by women, trans and non-binary designers in Brooklyn, showcased during NYCxDesign. The exhibit features a variety of works, including furniture, textiles, glass art and fine art pieces, all arranged in a residential-like setup within the concrete-lined space of Studio S II in Bushwick. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

The curators aimed to emphasize queer representation in contemporary design. According to Grace Whiteside, co-curator and glass artist, the intention to create a queer space that showcases a diverse group of designers and artists who challenge conventional boundaries within their practices, reflecting the essence of queerness. Central to the exhibit is a vibrant orange bed paired with a boldly patterned curtain by textile artist Liz Collins. Surrounding these pieces are spikey glass orb pendants by Whiteside and a patterned, tiled pedestal by Zander Schlacter. The bed is flanked by textured resin side tables by Jeremy Martin and horse hair wall hangings by Nima Jeizan.

Additional vibrant textile works by Larry Krone and Poppy Deltadawn are also displayed throughout the area. As per Liz Collins, the show is fun and celebratory, and is designed to resemble an open-plan apartment that evokes the personalities of its imagined inhabitants. She noted the focus on centering trans, non-binary and women designers, with only a few gay, cisgender men included to shift the narrative.

A notable piece in the exhibit is a metallic and wood chair by Studio S II, placed before a Shou Sugi Ban privacy screen by Yolande Milan Batteau. Nearby, a poplar wood totem of spliced orbs by Vivian Chiu adds to the eclectic mix. In the living room area, a glass table by Studio S II with a brass base is accompanied by two stone blue chairs by Collins, connected by a swatch of fabric. Other notable pieces include silicone tile artwork by Pamela Council and a ceramic cross-hatched sculpture by Fawn Krieger.

In another section resembling a yard, the exhibit features a handblown glass dog with accompanying droppings and toys by Deborah Czeresko, as well as a glass cat carrier. Surrounding the space are prints by Fo Wilson and a fringed wall hanging by Kira Keck, with a jacket by Zev Schwartz displayed above the studio’s entrance. Additionally, sterling silver jewelry and dishes by Zhi Wei are scattered throughout the exhibit. The curatorial team highlighted the importance of creating spaces that prioritize queer voices and foster camaraderie within the LGBTQIA+ community. They posed the question of what it means to be an LGBTQIA+ designer in a world gradually integrating queerness into mainstream culture.

Image credit: Joe Kramm