Historically, Fitzpatrick explains,audismhas deprived the deaf community of experiences lacking accessibility or inclusion measures.
It should go without saying that the opposite is true.
Her mural festival seeks to accomplish just that.
- To pay mural artists a fair wage for their work.
Read on for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview with the artist.
What originally inspired you to launch the KissFist Festival, and what is the meaning behind its name?
I am a CODA (child of deaf adults) and grew up in the deaf community.
At the end of this festival, there was an awards ceremony which was presented in spoken English.
I wanted to be at a mural fest where deaf culture was centered.
I wanted to be around artists who were deaf, deaf blind, hard of hearing, and CODA.
I thought that would be incredibly fun.
Thats where the idea for the KissFist Mural Fest began.
RiNo ArtPark in Denver, CO.
Kiss fist is an ASL sign.
The meaning is best explained by my dad, Dan, inthis Instagram video.
There is something about murals that I find so affirming of our humanity.
RiNo ArtPark in Denver, CO.
Murals are big, painting them is a messy business, they are imperfect and beautiful.
When I see a mural, I can see the artists hand in it.
In the age of AI, I think that is more important than ever.
Murals are also art for everyone.
They are out there on the streets, hidden in alleyways and unexpected corners of towns and cities.
Also from an artist perspective, its just really fun to paint something big!
How do you imagine the festival unfolding?
What events will it feature, and how will artists participate?
The KissFist Mural Fest will take place over three days at the RiNo ArtPark in Denver, Colorado.
Its also important to note that this festival is not a competition.
Being an artist has enough financial unpredictabilitywe dont want this festival to add to that!
Alongside the mural painting, we will have an art market hosted by Deaf Artisan Market Day.
And, of course, we will have food and beverages!
This festival is meant to be a fun and joyful celebration of art and community.
Its important to us that the festival is free to attend and family friendly, too.
This is really meant to be a space to build a stronger community for everyone.
There is a pervasive history of experience deprivation and isolation in the deaf community due to audism.
Theres a term in the deaf community known as dinner table syndrome.
Many deaf people grow up in predominately hearing spaces with hearing families that do not learn sign language.
It was always something to be celebrated.
Deaf culture is so diverse and rich, and it deserves to thrive in every way possible.
Hopefully, the KissFist Mural Fest can be a part of that.
What does accessibility mean throughout art?
What does it mean for you personally and for your artistic practice?
Its an ever evolving practice.
It means asking artists what they need and then implementing it.
For instance, I dont think murals are inherently accessible for people with mobility aids or chronic illness.
The ground beneath a surface is often uneven.
There is a lot of reaching and contorting of oneself so that reach a spot on a wall.
Mural festivals are often high intensity, with short timeframes to complete a mural in.
That requires long hours and lots of physicality which is not something available to everyone.
So then the question becomes, how do we evolve that?
How do we open up this art form to make it more accessible?
We need to think about that and then actually put the answers into practice.
What do you hope people will take away from the KissFist Festival?
I hope people make new connections and strengthen existing ones.
In Colorado, there is a growing deaf community but it is a bit spread out.
We chose the RiNo ArtPark location for the festival with that in mind, since it is fairly central.
Our hope is that the festival offers a space for the pockets of the deaf community to converge.
For the artists, I hope they walk away feeling supported and uplifted.
So much of being an artist involves working alone and questioning all of your choices.
Having a chance to show your work in front of people and be celebrated for it is really affirming.
And I hope that they will discover new artists to support.
What are your next steps in preparing for the festival?
How can people support the project?
$5 donations add up fast!
you’re free to donate viaour fundraiser.
KissFist:Website|Instagram|Fundraiser
My Modern Met received permission to feature images byKate Fitzpatrick.
