Join us for the "Shapes of a Soul: A Solo Exhibition by Rikki Moss" Opening Reception on Friday, February 2nd at 5-8PM in The Gallery at Stone & Spoon in Ypsilanti, MI.

This exhibition runs from February 2nd until March 24th, 2024.

Artist statement: This collection has been created over a two year study into the experience of being human. From the first moments of trans joy to the devastating chapters in disability and grief- painting into my DNA that I am not this body with each brush stroke, I’ve vowed to love it enough to make it my home in every way possible. I’ve had the privilege of autonomy for self expression. I’ve also faced the challenge of declining mobility. Through the last few years, and what led up to the start of this body of work, I experienced inexplicable gratitude and love for this fleshy container that holds me as I modified it to affirm the soul within.

Simultaneously, I endured worsening chronic pain. As my health slipped away I dove deeper into the expression of my soul. Asking questions and painting the answers. What does the soul look like when the body won’t move the way it used to? What does it look like when elation is braided with loss? Is it acceptable to still feel fulfilled when the world takes pity on the shell you’ve become? If I didn’t choose this vessel, how would I express myself? How would you?

Artist Bio: Rikki Moss is a self taught, multi-disciplinary artist from Ypsilanti, Michigan. They discovered their creativity at a young age and eventually focused their energy on their career as a hairdresser. Professionally, they work as stylist cutting all textures and genders at BG Salon downtown Ypsilanti.

In 2019 they rediscovered their love of dance and, shortly after, their buried passion for painting. As their mobility dwindled they put their mind to a regular painting practice in their in-home studio in the home they share with their partner and their four cats

Rikki’s works often explore their personal experiences as a neuroqueer, disabled person continuously decolonizing their mind after an oppressively religious upbringing.

Rikki is practicing reiki and committed to a healing journey while maintaining optimism that they will, once again, have the opportunity to revisit the forests as the feral, dancing alien they always have been deep down.

Mobility note: Our beautiful 19th century building has no elevator, so all attendees will need to take a flight of stairs up to The Gallery. If you are unable to do stairs, but would like to see the exhibition, we will be posting a live video of the exhibition alongside the artist for an insider's perspective. This will be another great way to see this exhibition!