Join us on Monday, October 18th from 6-7pm for a Virtual Panel Discussion featuring artists Ashanti Fortson, Melanie Gillman, and Erin Nations from Sequential Self! This panel discussion will premiere on The Art Galleries at TCU YouTube channel and on Facebook. 

About the Artists

Ashanti Fortson is a cartoonist, illustrator, editor, and professor with a deep interest in difficult emotions, quiet moments, and the rifts and connections between human beings. Their work explores transience and reflection through a tenderhearted lens, and a good comic essay will always brighten their day. They won a Prism Award as part of the comics anthology Heartwood: Non-binary Tales of Sylvan Fantasy, and their solo comic Leaf Lace was nominated for three categories of the 2021 Ignatz Awards (Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Comic, and Outstanding Online Comic). Ashanti is currently working on their debut graphic novel, Cress & Petra (HarperCollins). They live in Baltimore with their beloved spouse, their large and beautiful cat Miss Cheese, and at least three mischievous pet rats at all times. www.ashantifortson.com

Melanie Gillman is a cartoonist and colored pencil artist who specializes in LGBTQ books for kids and teens. They are the creator of the Stonewall Honor Award-winning graphic novel As The Crow Flies (Iron Circus Comics, 2017), as well as Stage Dreams(Lerner/Graphic Universe, 2019). In addition to their graphic novel work, they also teach in the Comics MFA Program at the California College of the Arts. http://melaniegillman.com

Erin Nations is the writer and illustrator of the comic book series Gumballs (DINKY Award winner, Eisner nominated, and Ignatz Award nominated) published by Top Shelf Productions. His work has appeared in Original Plumbing magazine, Vision Quest, Full Bleed, and the We’re Still Here anthology. He lives in Portland, Oregon. www.erinnations.com

The Art Galleries at TCU are proud to present Sequential Self: Gender and Identity in Comics, focusing on artists in the genre of comics. This exhibition showcases twelve artists whose work illuminates the complexity and intersectionality of gender and identity through autobiographical, historical, and fantastical narratives. Sequential Self: Gender and Identity in Comics will be on-view at Moudy Gallery from September 30 – October 21, 2021, with an opening reception on Thursday, September 30th from 5-7pm, hosted outdoors in the Moudy courtyard.

Sequential Self: Gender and Identity in Comics features works by Rebecca Artemisa, Trinidad Escobar, Ashanti Fortson, Melanie Gillman, Levi Hastings, Christine Mari, Erin Nations, Kosmo X. Parker, Jules Scheele, Christine Suggs, Sunmi, and Antoinette Thomas. This exhibition is curated by artists Iris Bechtol, Cultural Programs Coordinator, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, and Lynné Bowman Cravens, Gallery Manager, The Art Galleries at TCU.

At the heart of Sequential Self is a love of comics and a desire to share the visual and written narrative of artists working in the genre. Mainstream comics have often favored cisgender white male voices, while creators who do not identify as such have remained at the fringes. However, in recent years there has been a steady turn towards inclusivity in both mainstream and indie comics, showcasing stories reflecting a variety of experiences, voices, and identities. As diverse creators have flourished and gained more followers, it is important that their voices are amplified and celebrated.

Comics can offer the viewer an intimate connection with artists and stories being told that goes beyond other artforms. The artists featured in Sequential Self share personal and honest stories of self-discovery, explore cultural histories and ancestral roots, delve into the multidimensional aspects of sexuality and gender, navigate mental health and physical disabilities, address race and identity, and look back through history to explore unseen narratives. Their sophisticated storytelling, character development, and strong illustrative styles invite readers into snippets of their personal experiences or worlds that mirror real life.