DECODER is an LGBTQIA+ artist-led organisation based in Cornwall (First est. as The Penthouse in Manchester 2012), led by artists Rosanne Robertson and SHARP, expanding the ‘Queer gaze’.
Previously based in Manchester and as known ‘The Penthouse’, DECODER has been supported through by East Street Arts’ GUILD programme and Porthmeor Studios to reflect on their experience and knowledge as artists and activists through a ‘virtual residency’ titled ‘DECODER – Transition’ between 18th-22nd January 2021.
During this virtual residency the DECODER artists creatively and openly explore the situation of their transition from The Penthouse based in a northern city centre to relaunching as DECODER in Cornwall.
Looking at the context of Queer Art in Cornwall, their experience of being LGBTQIA+ activists in both urban and rural places and shifts in relation to LGBTQIA+ activism and place they will produce a podcast that explores resilience in terms of both the artist-led and the Queer-led in times of change.
A podcast and other outcomes of the residency can be found via DECODER’s new website, launching January 2021. The current holding site hosts DECODER’s Queer Circles TV Show with commissioned works from Dean Atta, Rachel House and Maz Murray.
As part of their residency, DECODER has commissioned new video work by West-Yorkshire based artist Claye Bowler.
The newly commissioned video was created during a particular moment in Claye’s practice and life in which he focuses on the transition of his body and the period in the lead up to his top surgery which has coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic- adding an extra weight of uncertainty to an already violent wait.
This work pairs performance and sculpture with the landscape and the body, sharing a personal journey and the physical experience of dysmorphia. Making artwork from the material of this extremely difficult time speaks of all the strength and power of Trans and Queer art at its most vital and we have been proud to support Claye as an artist during this time.
The film premieres on DECODER’s website on Friday 29th January at 6pm, watch it here
Follow and support Claye on Instagram and Twitter.
Discover more about DECODER at:
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