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Based in Denver, Frankie Toan (they/them/theirs) is an artist working mostly with craft and DIY materials and techniques to create large plush sculptures, interactive works, and immersive installations.
Frankie holds a BFA in Craft/Material studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s studies.
Their current body of work consists of elongated or engorged body parts tied, arranged, and installed in conversation with each other, creating fantasy bodies. Frankie has participated in many group shows and collaborations nationwide.
Recent projects include a commission for Meow Wolf’s Kaleidoscape immersive ride at Elitch Gardens and their public art installation “Public Body” for “Between Us Alleys”- a public art intervention project in downtown Denver. They have had residencies at RedLine (CO) and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (TN) among other places.
The books mentioned in the interview they are currently reading are Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin and Pleasure Activism by adrienne maree brown and Wussy Magazine.
One of the articles mentioned in the interview about queer gardening is Queer Undergrowth, by Jow Crowdy and Queer Gardens: Mary Delany’s Flowers and Friendships, by Lisa L. Moore
Upcoming Shows: Harvest Moon show at Claude Haus, Denver CO 9/14
Voting Booth, installation at Anderson Ranch, Snowmass Colorado, September-December 2019 (exact dates TBA)
Altar(er) Hex, The Temple, Denver, CO 10/31/2019- 1/3/2020
Pulling a Thread, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, NY October 11/1/2019-12/12/2019
[…] Frankie Toan lives and works in Denver, Colorado. He currently has multiple projects happening in his studio and has of late been delving into the concept of “queer gardening” working with scraps he finds around his studio. He draws inspiration from his actual garden, though the creations in his studio are like nothing one would see growing outside. His work explores connection, touch and interaction. This theme aligns perfectly with his new work and the interconnected nature of gardens and plants. To hear more about Frankie Toan’s work including how he defines queer gardening, listen to the complete interview. […]
[…] Frankie Toan lives and works in Denver, Colorado. He currently has multiple projects happening in his studio and has of late been delving into the concept of “queer gardening” working with scraps he finds around his studio. He draws inspiration from his actual garden, though the creations in his studio are like nothing one would see growing outside. His work explores connection, touch and interaction. This theme aligns perfectly with his new work and the interconnected nature of gardens and plants. To hear more about Frankie Toan’s work including how he defines queer gardening, listen to the complete interview. […]