The University of Buffalo Creativity in the Time of Covid-19 was led by Dr. Cody Mejeur of Amatryx Gaming Lab & Studio . The show was co-curated by Mejeur, Jocelyn E. Marshall, Famous Clark, Blair Johnson, and Morgan Sammut. The event took place at Buffalo Arts Studio, Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Center, and Buffalo Game Space at the Tri-Main Center in Buffalo, NY.
The exhibition was comprised of pandemic artwork and creative expression. The exhibition is the outcome of a three year project examining how people ranging from professional artists to first-time creatives used creativity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project defined creative expression broadly, including traditional and experimental art forms as well as creative hobbies such gaming, baking, crocheting, and much more.
The Amatryx exhibition focused on LGBTQIA+, BIPOC (Black/Indigenous/Person of Color), and/or Western New York-based creative works. In doing so, Director Cody Mejeur hoped that the exhibition would “prioritize the marginalized voices of communities often left out or forgotten in mainstream narratives.” As Mejeur noted, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities were often some of the hardest hit during the pandemic, and the Buffalo-based exhibition aims to start off the series by drawing attention to that trend and the people creating in these communities. As part of the exhibition’s opening night, the Amatryx Gaming Lab & Studio launched the first full release of their current video game project, Trans Folks Walking. Trans Folks Walking (https://ubwp.buffalo.edu/amatryx/trans-folks-walking/) is a 3D, first person narrative game made with Unity that explores experiences of trans embodiment, being, and mobility.
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