Robes & Latin: Or, How to Get Kicked Out was an exhibition in Oxford that attempted to materialize that which I could not (would not, should not) shove into an academic thesis, or rather, tries to capture what it feels like to study rape in the mothership of boys’ clubs.
Kelly McCormack, an award-winning filmmaker, performer, musician, and photographer, presents "Robes & Latin: Or, How to Get Kicked Out." Currently completing their master’s degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Oxford, Kelly’s work spans experimental theatre, opera, cinema, and critical theory.
As an artist, Kelly is known for their interdisciplinary approach and compelling storytelling. Their recent roles include Jess McCready in Amazon’s 'A League of Their Own', Sheila Richey in Paramount’s 'George & Tammy', and a performance alongside Tilda Swinton in A24’s 'Problemista'. Kelly’s feature film 'Sugar Daddy', which they wrote, produced, and starred in, received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Best Feature at the Canadian Film Festival.
Kelly’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in their diverse experiences, from developing original theatre works to being a member of Sigourney Weaver and Jim Simpson’s The Flea Theatre in New York. They hold a Bachelor's Degree with Distinction in English Literature and are the Founder and Executive Director of Floyder Studios.
About the Exhibition:
"Robes & Latin: Or, How to Get Kicked Out" is a bold and thought-provoking exploration of materializing disembodied knowledge. Kelly McCormack’s work seeks to reanimate elements that could (or should not) be confined to an academic thesis. This exhibition delves into profound themes, particularly sexual violence, warranting a trigger warning for visitors.
Please see Kelly's short interview here! A longer version is also available here.
The concept and inspiration behind the exhibition lie in Kelly’s desire to give life to knowledge and experiences often relegated to the margins of academic discourse. Through their unique artistic process, Kelly challenges conventional boundaries and invites viewers to engage with complex and often uncomfortable subjects.
Warning: The artwork deals with themes of Sexual Violence.
