dara etienne: buzz & return

artist info & virtual world themes

dara etienne (they/them) is a multidisciplinary visual artist and craftsperson from Eastern Massachusetts. Using both institutionally learned and self taught processes, their work spans from printmaking to woodworking, quilting, weaving, and more. As a black genderfluid person, their work tends to focus on the self, gender identity, and expression. Their pieces often utilize and subvert traditional aspects of gender-- the masculine, the feminine, and identities beyond these boundaries. How does one amplify and then undermine masculinity? How can someone make light of traditional femininity? Can art exemplify all the multitudes of gender and then erase them? Formal and thematic influences include the quilters of Gee’s bend, the prints of Belkis Ayon, the quipus of Cecilia Vecuna, and the hand rolled beads of Sanaa Gateja.own fears, doubts, and reservations.

The virtual world invites encounters with Etienne’s explorations of queer craft, domesticity & gendered labor, gendered forms of surveillance, & accessibility of reproductive care/services.

go to dara etienne's website

instagram: @_dararara_

contact: dara.etienne1@gmail.com

how to explore the virtual worlds:

Currently, the virtual worlds are most compatible with Chrome and Firefox browsers (the interactive elements may not work with Safari). The worlds are also only compatible with desktop/laptop devices currently.

Navigate the environments using the W, A, S, D keys (to move forward, left, back, and right, respectively). Use the mouse to turn and look around/up and down (like the navigation of a PC game).


Press the escape key to move your mouse outside
of the environment window.

Each virtual world contains audio elements.

To activate the artist audio stories and caption videos, “walk” up to the pink exhibition icons, and the audio/visual content will begin.

You can pause the interactive content by moving away from the area, then return and resume.

participatory prompts

  • Why are “art” and “craft” often understood as separate?

  • What are the relationships between craft and gender expression, and what does it mean to “queer” craft?

  • What are the connections between gender, visibility, surveillance, and the medical system?

  • How do you continuously “craft” your own gender expression? Share your reflections on the exhibition Discord or with friends.

recommended readings & resources