Queering the Reproductive F/Norm

3D Modeling Workshop with Artist Xin Xin
Friday, Jan 17th, 2:30-5:00PM

In scientific diagrams the human body is analogous to a factory, with hardware defining the spatial boundaries and software controlling the communication flows and exchanges. These utilitarian images often center hetero-sexual reproduction as an essential feature of the human biology, failing to consider the lived experience of queer and non-reproducing bodies. Queering the Reproductive F/Norm hacks the reproductive assembly line by conceptualizing and modeling speculative reproductive systems in 3D space. The 2.5-hour workshop will examine dominant narratives surrounding female and male reproductive systems and share our counter / parallel knowledge to imagine new metaphors and features for the queer bodies.

Please bring:
Laptop and charger
Three-button mouse, preferably with a middle-scroll

Please note:
This is a beginner-friendly workshop. No prior experience in 3D software is necessary. Cis-folks are welcomed to participate, however please keep in mind that the facilitator will prioritize queer experience at the center of the discussion, and would like to ask you to remain mindful of this goal throughout the workshop.

Artist Bio

Xin Xin is an interdisciplinary artist and community organizer working at the intersection of technology, labor, and identity. Xin co-founded voidLab, a LA-based intersectional feminist collective dedicated to women, trans, and queer folks. They were the Director and Lead Organizer for Processing Community Day 2019, a worldwide initiative celebrating art, code, and diversity, and they currently serve on the advisory board for the Processing Foundation. Their work has been exhibited and screened at Ars Electronica, DIS, Gene Siskel Film Center, Tiger Strikes Asteroid and Machine Project. Xin received their M.F.A from UCLA Design Media Arts and teaches at Parsons School of Design as an Assistant Professor of Interaction and Media Design.