Show Statement:
The term “geese goose” entered our language several months before the planning of this show when abcpvd member Ivana saw a meme that used the term. She posed the question: Would a gregarious animal call themself a “geese goose,” like a “people person”? Delighted by the sound of these words, we eventually agreed it would be the title of our next show. This conversation, like so many among us, is a tiny reflection of the nature of our collaborations: playful, silly, yet gesturing toward something deeply important to us.
We are a relatively new collective, and together we’re learning what it means to be individuals in community, to be people persons. By playing board games, collaborating, confiding in one another our losses and accomplishments, and sharing meals, we are attempting to carve spaces of play, refuge, and home. We are inventing a creative community, the artistic endeavor towards which we perpetually strive.
Our practices are distinct and highlight a range of mediums and themes, but together we’ve made this interactive, temporary space that we’re honored to invite you into. Your presence is a part of this piece. You are our newest collaborator. You will find several invitations to interact with the art and each other. You may find community, too. Please play.
various games were played at the opening receptions - photo by Jamie Potter
attendees explore Ivana Primero's book "Laddy Dong Degs" - photo by Jamie Potter
"Unfolding Paths" book by Iris Wright - photo by Jamie Potter
attendees interact with Areez Khan and Harshini Venkatachalam's zine "daal" - photo by Jamie Potter
Upon arrival, attendees were given a pencil, a bingo card, and a zine with a goose scavenger hunt - photo by Jamie Potter
The night concluded with a piano performance by Ivana Primero and a communal singing of Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club - photo by Jamie Potter
This show was primarily organized by Iris Wright, Ivana Primero, and Areez Khan, with install assistance from Hannah Bashkow, Jaden Bleier, and Harshini Venkatachalam. It took place at East Manning Projects in Providence, RI with opening receptions attended by over 200 people. It was the third group show by artist collective abcpvd.
photo by Jamie Potter of the guestbook made by Iris Wright
Upon entering either of the opening receptions, attendees were given a zine with a goose scavenger hunt, a pencil, and a bingo card that they could fill out by accomplishing various activities. These activities included eating something from our massive spread in the kitchen, reciting the names of all the artists featured, meeting someone who traveled farther than them to attend the show, and drawing a goose in the guestbook (sometimes using their non-dominant hand). Some of these geese drawings are featured here:
We made a goose-themed playlist for the event, which you can listen to on Spotify and pretend that you, too, are in a space with people playing games and looking at books.
