A memorialization and a celebration, MADRE honors the life and vital work of the legendary organizer, author, advocate, and artist Cecilia Gentili. The exhibition represents the practices of several artists from Cecilia’s chosen family who participated in her posthumous BOFFO Fire Island Residency. MADRE is the culmination of their efforts to nurture the artistic spirit of Cecilia’s life and her extended community. Through photographs, collages, textile weaving, and conceptual sculptural installations, the artists present work which contends with intersecting themes of political and sexual liberation, queer familial relationships, and the legacy of someone as beloved and impactful as Cecilia Gentilli. The artists included are stefa marin alarcon, Victoria von Blaque, Oscar Diaz, Serena Jara, ari jauregui, Joseph Liatela, Gabriel García Román, and viento izquierdo ugaz.
Cecilia Gentili Bio
Cecilia Gentili (1972-2024) was a legendary organizer, author, advocate, performer, and community icon. As the founder of Transgender Equity Consulting and a beloved mother to countless queer, trans, and immigrant individuals in New York City, her legacy endures on both systemic and personal levels.
Originally from Argentina, Cecilia came to the United States for a safer life as a transgender woman. After her first ten years in the US as an undocumented immigrant, sex worker, and drug user, she finally accessed recovery services and was able to fight for and win asylum status. With a renewed sense of control over her life, Cecilia committed herself to ensuring everyone living on the margins has a right to dignity and respect.
Her impactful legacy of community advocacy, storytelling and activism has been monumental in protecting federal rights from the U.S. Supreme Court, raising millions in funding for trans rights, and building foundational programs for trans and sex work communities to thrive in.
Works featured:
4 Rituales para La Santa Cecilia
2024
stefa marin alarcon, Oscar Diaz, viento izquierdo ugaz, ari jauregui
Mixed-media altar (video, candles, cyanotype fabric, watermelon, coffee grounds, keffiyeh, fruit, flowers, pictures, embroidery, seashells)
cecilia
Serena Jara
Cyanotype reproductions, Digital print reproductions
Untitled (your name in Red Ink)
2024
Joseph Liatela
Sequined fabric curtain, curtain rod
Nave
2024
Joseph Liatela
MDF board, 300 red carnations
Mother of All Whores
2024
Victoria von Blaque
Collage, silicone dildo, thermoplastic elastomer oral sex simulator, wood panel
Cecilia Gentili
2024
Gabriel García Román
Flag and photographic reproductions, original Photogravure w/ Chine-Colle and silkscreen
