Curatorial Talk with Zak Ashburn

Join us for an in-person curatorial talk and exhibition tour with Zak Ashburn, the guest curator behind the 2024 Rough Gems exhibition, Laugh Lines. Led by Union Hall’s Chief Curator Esther Hz, we will be discussing the concept, inspiration and selected works in the exhibition.

Laugh Lines is a thought-provoking and transformative group exhibition that challenges societal norms through the lens of humor. This dynamic showcase delves into cultural critiques, using humor as a multilayered tool to expose truth, darkness, love, and more. Through diverse mediums such as sculpture, photography, performance, installation, and fiber, the exhibition invites viewers to confront old narratives and explore cultural trauma. The artworks celebrate the transformative power of humor, acting as both a mirror to society and a means of collective catharsis. Laugh Lines fosters critical thinking, questioning societal norms, and offers a safe space for processing cultural trauma, sparking meaningful conversations about humor’s role in navigating cultural complexities.

Laugh Lines is on view through April 20, 2024.

Zak Ashburn (they/them) is a multi-disciplinary artist and curator whose creative journey weaves together diverse influences from their heritage as a first-generation Filipino and their upbringing in the Appalachian South. Based in Denver, Colorado, and having a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from MSU Denver, they have gained national recognition for their thought-provoking and innovative artistic practice. As a nationally showing artist, their work has graced galleries and exhibitions across the country, captivating audiences with their evocative explorations of the human experience. Beyond their artistic endeavors, they also bring their expertise to the role of curator, curating exhibitions that challenge traditional boundaries and encourage dialogue about art’s role in society.