The Queer Ecology Hanky Project, an exhibition of over 120 artist-made bandanas organized by Vanessa Adams and Mary Tremonte, will be on view at Zygote Press from Friday, May 13 to Saturday, June 25. In recent years, queers of all genders and proclivities have expanded the definitions of the original gay hanky code—which emerged in the US in the early 1970s as a means for gay men to subtly communicate sexual desires—to include different bodies, identities, and activities. The organizers–who are both printmakers–love designing, printing, and distributing bandanas as wearable artwork, and as a means to continue the queer communication of flagging, of finding affinity with plants, animals, mycelia, and each other.

In seeking artists and art for this project, Adams and Tremonte reached out to their intersecting networks of printmakers, artists, ecologists, zine makers, and herbalists, hoping the call for work would spread like mycelium growth. The full collection speaks to the diversity of queer experiences, and new works are added at each location it is shown. One of the most exciting things about the project is that it is artwork intended for activation. They hope these hankies will accompany walks in the woods, accessorize outfits at queer dance parties, bundle up foraged mushrooms, and start conversations.

Inspired by this sense of community and exchange, Zygote will be hosting a Queer Print + Zine Fair outside of our building from noon to 4 pm on Saturday, June 18, that will feature local and regional queer print and zine makers selling their work, as well as demos, walk-up activities, and more.

For more information, visit zygotepress.org.

IMAGES

Photo of installation at Women’s Studio Workshop, Rosendale, NY.

Examples of Hankies from past exhibits.

BLUE BOX:

QUEER ECOLOGY HANKY PROJECT | MAY 13–JUNE 25

THE QUEER PRINT + ZINE FAIR | NOON-4PM SATURDAY, JUNE 18
OUTDOORS AT ZYGOTE PRESS, FEATURING LOCAL & REGIONAL QUEER PRINT & ZINE MAKERS SELLING THEIR WORK

IDEAL: RISO GROUP SHOW | SEPTEMBER 9–NOVEMBER 05CURATED BY ANNA TARAROVA

ZYGOTE PRESS
1410 East 30th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
zygotepress.com
216.621.2900