The Big Gay Festival, hosted at Hippo Factory Studios on Saturday, June 29th, 6:00pm to 11:30pm, brought together LGBTQ+ artists and allies for a vibrant celebration of Pride Month!
Guests enjoyed a spectacular evening featuring art exhibitions, live music, and delectable cuisine, curated by renowned visual artist Vita Kari (they/them) and Swsh. Known for their collaborative spirit and dedication to showcasing queer and trans creativity, Vita Kari and Swsh’s event was a culmination of over six years of artistic exploration and community engagement.
Attendees immersed themselves in a curated showcase that highlighted the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ artistry, accompanied by performances that echoed the vibrancy of the community. The event fostered an atmosphere of acceptance and unity, inviting all to revel in the power of art and expression.
Vita Kari (they/them): A contemporary visual artist based in Los Angeles, Kari is known for their exploratory work that intersects queerness, digital identity, and commercialism. Recognized for their immersive installations and engaging video pieces, Kari’s work has been profiled in Forbes, Artnet, Interview Magazine, Gay Times, and Jezebel. They have collaborated with major brands such as Marc Jacobs, Loewe, Levi, and Warby Parker. Vita is also known for their queer event series and community art space, “VITAWOOD.”
Swsh (they/them): An R&B producer, singer, and songwriter, Swsh has been recognized by Zane Lowe, Elton John, Kanye West, NPR, and BBC Radio 1. Their breakthrough performance on the YouTube series “Colors Show” catapulted them into greater visibility. Recently, Swsh has focused on creating joyful, inclusive spaces for the trans community through their series of shows.
– Photography: Danin Jacquay @deathcats, Naseem Eskandari @naseemeskandari, Sean Behr @tornblackjeans