This artwork speaks to the erasure of transgender people in the media and the world around us. As more legislation aimed at stripping away our rights takes a foothold, encouraged by the current administration, trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals are at the precipice of a Genocide. 

Filled to the brim with information surrounding this, events leading up to where we stand, and a memorial display with all the documented lives lost in ICE custody in just the first month of the new year, Read the Room stands to spread awareness to those who don’t understand what it’s like to live this, and to create community for those who do.

Showcasing over 200 hours of research, planning, and painting, Read the Room is completely hand-painted, with digital reference created using Adobe Illustrator. 

The reference images, including text and recreated Windows95 pop up formatting, were then implemented into virtual reality. Using the Meta Quest 3 VR headset’s spatial mapping technology, the reference guides were then translated onto the walls without stenciling, projecting, or the use of levels/measurements.

Read the Room covers a large amount of information and contains a functional slide presentation for an educational viewing experience. Showings are currently being scheduled for classes, artists, and those searching for community.