The series A Warring A (2022-) is a multimedia project highlighting aromanticism and asexuality as rich experiences worthy of celebration. Aromantic and asexual individuals (referred to collectively as a-spec) live and learn to thrive in a world that forgot they exist. Clichés of comradery, “love makes us whole” and “you do you in the bedroom” fall flat at best and are insulting at worst.
A Warring A begins with Protector of Identity (2022), an interactive installation of a wax dragon guarding symbols of the asexual community. The work is a symbolic piece, frustrated that one cannot discuss asexuality without educating first. The series continues with Vetoed Marriage Date (2023) a stop-motion animation depicting an aromantic individual coming to terms with their orientation and the reality that their “happiest day” is unlikely to match the expected clichés. The third piece, A Community (2023) celebrates the beautiful community of the a-spec experience. The interactive installation sits side-by-side with To Be Aro-Ace, Print I. (2023), an educational manifesto that sees an inclusive more joyous world.
Aromanticism is a romantic orientation describing individuals who (1) do not experience romantic attraction, (2) experience little-to-no romantic attraction, or (3) experience conditional romantic attraction.
Asexuality is a sexual orientation describing individuals who (1) do not experience sexual attraction, (2) experience little-to-no sexual attraction, or (3) experience conditional sexual attraction.
Protector of Identity (2022)
Mixed Media: wax, playing cards, amethyst
The sculpture, entirely composed of symbols of asexuality, encourages viewers to leave their mark on the piece. Representing the actions and words of people who inadvertently shape asexual individuals’ lives.
“Love makes us whole,” is neither inclusive nor comforting.
Vetoed Marriage Date (2023)
Stop-Motion Animation
The aromantic community is rarely mentioned, let alone represented, in discussions about coming to age and growing into happy fulfilled adults. Rather, it is expected for children to have crushes, teens to fall in love, and adults to get married. Utilizing amorphic and malleable materials, this work depicts an aromatic interacting with the concept of marriage.
To Be Aro-Ace, Print I.
Paperboard Print
A manifesto in three chapters, the piece demands the reader to think.
Link to PDF: click here
A Community (2023)
Mixed Media: Wax, Resin, Polymer clay, Wood, LED lights, Plexiglass
Draped in the pride colors, a gathering of figures stand together. Each figure, similarly queer in form, has a unique core within.