Bhui Agua is a thematic exhibition put together by artists Sarah Leiva and Prinshu Gautam. Both artists were invested in making work that contributes to counter-archival practices of marginalized experiences. Leiva’s work is informed by concepts of queer futurity and draws inspiration from the past and present LGBTQIA+ community in Providence. Gautam’s pieces were made in response to the September 2024 floods that affected parts of eastern and central Nepal, the artist’s homeland. Both artists set up individual fundraisers as a part of the show to aid in their interventive practice of art-making that demands to remember and celebrate those who are often overlooked.
Leiva’s fundraiser for Haus of Codec, a Providence-based LGBTQIA+ resource center for youth, is still ongoing. You can donate directly to this organization or by reaching out to the artist and inquiring about jewelry being sold in relation to this fundraising initiative.
A Man in a Seaweed Dress. Installation detail image. Sarah Leiva 2024.
Ghanti. Ceramic, detail image. Prinshu Gautam 2024.
"Bhui Agua" exhibition at The Wurks in Providence, RI in collaboration with artist Prinshu Gautam.
"Bhui Agua" exhibition at The Wurks in Providence, RI in collaboration with artist Prinshu Gautam, whose work is featured in this image.
"Untitled Quilt" Mussel shells, brass, chain, jump rings, bezel-set garnets. 60" X 72". 2024.
"Untitled Quilt" Detail image. 2024.
"Tidal Pool" Dremeled found cast iron, brass, copper, sand, and pearls. 2024.
"A Man in a Seaweed Dress" Steel with heat patina, filing cabinet, archival storage box, rusted iron rod, etched brass, jump rings, sand, pedestal, plexiglass, and two digital prints. 2024.
"A Man in a Seaweed Dress" Installation detail image. 2024.
"A Man in a Seaweed Dress" Installation detail image. 2024.
"A Man in a Seaweed Dress" Installation detail image. 2024.
"A Man in a Seaweed Dress" Installation detail image. 2024. These images are edited from their original format, and were provided by Providence Public Library's special collections archive. (Michael Guy and Padric Meagher collection)
"A Man in a Seaweed Dress" Installation detail image. 2024. These images are edited from their original format, and were provided by Providence Public Library's special collections archive. (Michael Guy and Padric Meagher collection)
"Untitled (Three Necklaces)" Brass, copper, polished stones. Price negotiable, portion of proceeds to Haus of Codec. 2024.
"Untitled (Three Necklaces)" Detail image. Price negotiable, portion of proceeds to Haus of Codec. 2024.
Archiving Queerness
Digital video with audio, 2024.
The archival images used in this video are provided by Providence Public Library's special collections, specifically the Michael Guy and Padric Meagher collection.