International Video Art Exhibition Launches in Lincoln

A video art exhibition exploring the theme of hormone use and abuse both in the past and in the present opens its doors in the Project Space Plus gallery at the University of Lincoln today (Friday 2nd February 2018) as the UK celebrates LGBT History Month 2018.

The international touring exhibition, titled ‘Transitional States: Hormones at the Crossroads of Art and Science,’ presents an exploration of the role of hormones in our everyday lives and features the work of 14 international artists and collectives.

Running until Tuesday 27th February, it showcases a range of thought-provoking videos exploring themes including the emotional impact of hormones, new reproductive medical technologies, the hormonal effects of menopause, and the right to determine one’s own gender and identity.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of public talks throughout February which will consider topics raised in the exhibition. Each will take place in the Jackson Lecture Theatre, Minerva Building, at the University’s Brayford Pool campus, and will feature keynote speakers from a variety of backgrounds, including artists, activists, psychologists, journalists and academics:

• Thursday 8th February, 6pm – 8pm: “From Silence of the Lambs to Orange is the New Black: Changing Representations of Trans People.” Speakers include writer and broadcaster, Paris Lee, artist and non-binary trans activists, Fox Fisher and Owl, and actress Rebecca Root.
• Thursday 15th February, 6pm – 8pm: “Sex, Science and the Body: Medicine and LGBTIQ People.” Speakers include Dr David A. Griffiths, University of Surrey, Dr Janet Weston, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and psychologist, Dr Christina Richards.
• Thursday 22nd February, 6pm – 8pm: “Girls Gone Wild: Women Use Hormones to Take Control?” Speakers include Dr Hera Cook, University of Otago, Dr Alana Harris, King’s College London, and artists Holly Slingsby and Sarah Homewood.

The programme of events, which are being led by Dr Chiara Beccalossi from the School of History and Heritage, forms part of a major research project funded by The Wellcome Trust investigating how hormone research has impacted medical sexual knowledge in the twentieth century.

Dr Beccalossi said: “Hormones play an immense role in our everyday lives and yet very few people stop to consider how important they are. This exhibition encourages people to do just that – to stop and consider their use and challenge the perceptions they have of hormone treatments, from the everyday like contraceptive pills to those that help transgender people express themselves more freely.”

Vice Chancellor Professor Mary Stuart said: “As part of the University’s celebrations for LGBT History Month 2018, it’s great to see this important Wellcome Trust-funded exhibition here at Lincoln.

“Diversity is strength and the University is proud to bring together people from all different walks of life, with different values, experiences and views. Thought-provoking exhibitions like this encourage us all to explore new perspectives and to learn and develop better practice.”

Admission to both the exhibition and public discussions is free. Prior booking is not necessary but seats will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

For more information visit the Transitional States website at www.transitionalstates.com.