Tender, denoting softness, sensitivity, and care, provides passage for the wayward individual to find solace and unconditional comfort. In contrast to the harsh paradigm of a competition-obsessed society, tenderness encourages vulnerability and compassion between our fellow travelers, lovers, and friends. In this edition of Atkinson and Hoffman’s curatorial practice, Spectral Matter, Tender Presence seeks to bring together queer makers who instill, exemplify, or even resist the intimacy of tender interactions. Through this underlying theme, objects curated for the exhibition embody the softer side of human connection through their presence, potential use, and material qualities. 

This is the second exhibition curated by Adam Atkinson and Everett Hoffman under their curatorial project Spectral Matter, which started in 2019 to highlight emerging LGBTQ+ artists working with a focus on craft and material processes. Tender Presence has traveled to several galleries including Gallery 2052 in Chicago, IL, Alma’s Gallery in Richmond, VA, and culminates at the Penland Gallery.

Artists in the exhibition include: $ulo Bee, Vivian Chiu, Margo Csipo, J Taran Diamond, Mattie Hinkley, Andy Lowrie, Wyatt Nestor-Pasicznyk, Corey Pemberton, Kento Saisho, Hansel Tai, Scott Vander Veen, Taylor Zarkades King​​

Photography Courtesy of Ariana Sellers at Penland Gallery