COLLABORATIVE BEING: BRITTANY LOAR AND GINA MANNING ON THEIR BADASS MASHUP

BY DIGBOSTON + SYDNEY SHEEHAN

There were a lot of hands on deck in the creation of Être, a new exhibit opening in Allston this coming weekend. Billed by its creators as a “fully collaborative free-form mixed media and photography mash-up set of images,” the project came together at Red Sky studios, and was assisted by a crew of more than 10 participants, from models to gaffers to stylists.

At its core, Être is the brainchild of designer-artist Brittany Loar and photographer Gina Manning. Their joint production is roughly a year in the making, and we recommend watching the striking video teaser. The images inspired us to ask if we could share some pieces from their show with Dig readers ahead of time, and to publish the following excerpt of an interview that writer Sydney Sheehan conducted with the artists…

On their collaboration…

BL: I’ve been a fan of Gina’s for a while and that’s actually how we met. I went to one of her shows and jumped at a chance to introduce myself to discover that she was even more magical and wonderful of a person. Her work is beyond striking to me. It feels familiar in its origin and cathartic in a way that I define my own. I didn’t think she would remember me after that night but we stayed connected on Instagram and one day she reached out with this idea to collaborate. I couldn’t say yes quick enough.

GM: I wanted to collaborate with Brittany in specific because there is this raw emotion in her art that I am drawn to and relate to heavily. A feeling deep down in the meaning behind her pieces that resonates with me and how/why I create as well. Not to mention, I have such respect for her artistic vision and drive to create the things she wants to create. It’s great because we are truly fangirls of one another, and after this project, that respect has only grown!

On art making a difference…

GM: Art is such an amazing outlet for people to support one another, and more times than not the works you create are some of the most personal things you share with the world. I know being able to share this extremely personal experience with so many other women was both a struggle and an absolute release.

BL: As the subject of oppression and varying degrees of criticism in both society and in the art world, the presence of women artists is critical in transforming stereotypes and influencing cultural opinions. Art is not only seen but felt and to feel is to relate. I believe that to truly make a difference, it takes empathy.

On meaning…

GM: I am huge fan of letting the viewer have their own interpretation of a piece of art—I know exactly why I made it but that doesn’t mean it should be forced upon someone else. As long as you feel something, that is what I want.

BL: I learned at a young age that putting all of your hope in the hands of other people is the worst thing to do with your talents or creations so I never make work with thoughts of what people might think of it or me. I believe that successful art will naturally achieve what you want with the people you’re looking to reach. Overall, I obviously hope people find them beautiful and moving.

On empowerment…

GM: Collaboration, motivation, inspiring one another, using a primarily female crew, promoting one another, all of the above. Creating something bigger than I could have imagined because it all came together with such a badass crew of talented artists. There isn’t enough support for female artists, especially by other female artists. This project is very dear to my heart because it represents the hard work of so many individuals who had so much much trust and respect for one another.

BL: From beginning to end and every step along the way, a woman was making the creative decisions for this body of work. Creating every opportunity possible for a woman to use her talents and skills is the most constructive way to empower women collectively.

On impact…

BL: I hope to inspire and challenge others in our field to step outside of their bubble, to realize there is power in the vulnerability of allowing another artist to join the process, and that the perspective female artists provide the world is one unlike any other.

GM: I am hoping to start something that doesn’t finish. I enjoyed this collaboration so much I can’t wait for the next one. I want this project to be the first of many—the hope is that we can find a way to reach a larger audience with the support of people who really care about the arts and really give a damn.

For more information on the exhibit, which takes place on Sunday 12.3 from 6-10:30pm, visit the collaboration website at manningloar.com. The show is private but you can request an invite online.