Category Archives: Women En Large

My Work in “Art Speaks! Lend Me Your Voice” in Los Angeles

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Laurie says:

This is the last of my exhibitions on three continents in two months. The first two were Japan and Budapest. This exhibition is “Art Speaks! Lend Your Voice” in Los Angeles. I’m delighted to be part of it.

The exhibition is sponsored by the national Women’s Caucus for Art, and curated by Jill Moniz, head curator at the California African American Museum. She says: “I curated Art Speaks! around the idea of developing a visual fluency of the art of speaking…The exhibit feels right and aesthetically unabridged, full of emotion, meaning and remarkable art.” She selected abstract and representational artworks by 62 artists from across the country.

It’s at the Arena 1 Gallery in Santa Monica, in conjunction with the WCA national conference. Art Speaks! runs from February 22 to March 10. (Wednesday-Sunday 10- 6)

My photograph chosen for the exhibition was of Debbie Notkin, April Miller, Carol S, Queen T’hisha, and Robyn Brooks from Women En Large.

Women En Large : Twenty Third Anniversary

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Laurie says:

It’s amazing that Debbie’s and my book, Women En Large: Images of Fat Nudes, is celebrating its 23rd anniversary this month. The work continues to be displayed internationally and the book continues to sell.

And unfortunately it is as relevant now as it was then.

Tracy Blackstone and Debbie Notkin

To look in the mirror and see yourself, all of yourself, and to be pleased and satisfied. Should it be an impossible dream? Or is it something we all, each and every one of deserve?
‑‑ Debbie Notkin

Chupoo Alafonte

When I think of what it means to be a fat black woman, I think of my ancestors, women at the lowest rung of society, who were forced to serve, nurture, and give birth to a nation that hates and fears people who look like me.
— Chupoo Alafonté

Queen T’hisha and Robyn Brooks

I decided that I was never again going to allow someone to victimize me because of my size. Furthermore, I decided to enjoy myself the way I was. I have a voluptuous body and a very sensual nature. I’m creative, intelligent, charming, and lush. What’s not to like?
‑‑ April Miller

 

Rhylorien n’a Rose

I am not what others think of me. I am what I think of me. My body may be fat and physically challenged, but I am strong and beautiful … Right now.
— Rhylorien n’a Rose

 

Edna Rivera

I didn’t grow up with the belief that fat women were to be despised. The women in my family were fat, smart, sexy, employed, wanted, married, and the rulers of their households.
‑‑ Queen T’hisha

 

Debbie Notkin, April Miller, Carol S, Queen T’hisha, and Robyn Brooks

After a lifetime of hiding, you can imagine how hard it is to come out and say, “Hey! Look at me,” in a way where no one can fail to really see me.
‑‑ Cynthia McQuillin