EMERY KATE TILLMAN

Emery Kate Tillman ( they/them) is an interdisciplinary artist who is well-known for their exploration of themes

related to gender, sexuality, and disability in their artwork. Tillman's use of the color pink is a

recurring motif in their pieces and serves as a subversive nod to its historical association with

femininity. The use of pink in Tillman's work challenges traditional gender norms, which dictate

that pink is for girls and blue is for boys, and reclaims the color as a symbol of resistance and

empowerment. One of the central themes of Tillman's work is the exploration of collective joy as a means of

resisting and transcending societal expectations and constraints. By using bright and vibrant

colors, intricate patterns, and engaging textures, Tillman seeks to create a sense of joy that

invites viewers to participate in a celebration of the beauty and diversity of human existence.

This theme is particularly poignant given the social and political climate of our times, where

oppression, discrimination, and division are rampant. Tillman's work is not just about expressing their personal identity or exploring themes related to gender, queerness, and disability. It is also about finding ways to work despite chronic pain and

physical limitations. For Tillman, working with multiple materials provides an opportunity to shift

their focus and alleviate physical strain, enabling them to work for longer periods of time. Each

material used in their pieces brings unique qualities and contributes to the overall narrative of

the artwork.

Moreover, each piece of Tillman's artwork invites the viewer to consider not only the themes

they explore but also the labor and care that goes into each creation. Tillman's artistic process is

a careful and deliberate one, with every piece crafted with a great deal of attention to detail,

thoughtfulness, and intentionality. This invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and

beliefs and to consider the impact of their actions on others. Overall, Emery Kate Tillman's work is an invitation to engage with complex themes of identity,

power, and oppression through the lens of gender, sexuality, and disability. Their artwork is not

just visually stunning and engaging, but it also challenges us to think deeply about the ways in

which we view and interact with the world around us. Tillman's work reminds us that there is

beauty and joy to be found in the midst of struggle and that we can create a more just and

equitable world by celebrating our differences and standing together in solidarity.