Sticky Entanglements at Transformer features multi-media works by Beth Yashnyk and Fanni Somogyi, who explore glitch as a point of metamorphosis. Human and non-human bodies are dissected and fragmented, questioned and observed, and then reassembled in distinct ways into new hybrid forms that push the boundaries of gender and life itself. The narrative that develops between the sculptures, animations, and paintings offer paths to speculative ideas of relationships to one’s self and to others.

While Yashnyk approaches glitch from a perspective of gender, aiming to upset the hierarchies and conflate notions of identity, Somogyi builds speculative critters that ponder the nuances of our relationships with non-human beings and the possibilities of collaborative kinships. Both artists fragment and layer aspects of bodies to create surreal works that encourage a suspension of disbelief. 

Touch is also an essential element in their work either through representation of hands, mouths and sensory antennas or through the varied use of materials and textures. Yashnyk and Somogyi explore how touch affects our perceptions of our environment, others and our own body. The artists build with laser-cut plexiglass, wood, vellum, steel, polyurethane, silicone, paint and plants. Both of their work has taken on a format of installation and they are drawn to creating an immersive environment with their work where their individual objects build a larger narrative.

The notion of “sticky” does not only appear as a visual motif through body fluids, but also through the use of certain materials such as silicone. From a metaphorical perspective, sticky also implies gumminess. Sticky things almost always leave a residue. Our interactions with others affect and contaminate our identity and lived experience. As we relate to others (human and non-human) we can gain empathetic observation skills and new ways of experiencing the world. These ideas of glitch can inform our collaborations with other beings and technologies to create more liveable and equitable worlds.

Beth Yashnyk is an interdisciplinary visual artist living and working in Baltimore City. Originally from New York, she earned a BFA in Printmaking from the State University of New York at New Paltz, and her MFA in Multidisciplinary Fine Art from Maryland Institute College of Art. Inspired by media and pop culture, she uses animation, sculpture, drawing, and painting to create surreal narratives and environments. Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, and she is currently working on a series of short animated films exploring her perception of her own gender identity.

Fanni Somogyi is a multi-disciplinary artist and writer living and working in Baltimore, MD. She completed her BFA at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Through biomorphic assemblages, she investigates interspecies connections to understand how she affects non-human beings and the ecosystem. Somogyi has shown work at the Vox Populi (PA), New Collectors Gallery (NY), and Target Gallery (VA) among others. Her public sculptures have been displayed at the Franconia Sculpture Park (MN), the Olala Street Festival in Lienz, Austria, and at Art Market Budapest in Hungary.