Hilma's Ghost ABSTRACT FUTURES TAROT Catalog

ABSTRACT FUTURES

TAROT

BY HILMA’S GHOST

ABSTRACT FUTURES

TAROT

By Dannielle Tegeder and Sharmistha ray

Of

Hilma’s Ghost feminist art collective

Published on the occasion of the 2021 Armory Show, New York NY

September 9 - 12

FOCUS Exhibition, presented by CARRIE SECRIST GALLERY, CHICAGO IL

All images courtesy the artists and Carrie Secrist Gallery.

Installation images courtesy Nathan Keay.

© 2021, Carrie Secrist Gallery

ABSTRACT FUTURES TAROT by Hilma’s Ghost is a collaborative drawing project between Dannielle Tegeder and Sharmistha Ray. Together, the artists created an abstract Tarot deck that responds to the original Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck, which is not only the most popular deck in distribution in the world today, but also, the starting point for American Tarot.

Illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, that deck harbors the occult belief systems that prevailed in both America and Europe throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and is commonly held to be the rst deck used solely for the purposes of divination. More than a century later, Brooklyn-based artists, Tegeder and Ray, have taken an abstract lens to the cards’ rich symbolism to interpret their signs and symbols to generate divinatory meanings that can be unlocked through an interpretation of abstract forms HILMA’S GHOST COLLECTIVE Hilma’s Ghost, a feminist artist collective, was co-founded by Brooklyn-based artists Dannielle Tegeder and Sharmistha Ray in 2020. The collective seeks to address existing art historical gaps by cultivating a global network of women, nonbinary, and trans practitioners whose work addresses spirituality. Hilma af Klint’s groundbreaking exhibition at the Guggenheim in 2018 served as a reckoning for art history’s blindspots, especially for women artists considered too ‘mystical’ for the conservative art world. Named after af Klint, Hilma’s Ghost believes that western heteropatriarchal societies maintain a false binary between spirituality and science. This bias serves to overlook womxn artists whose explorations of ancient and pre-modern knowledge systems is a source of personal strength and aesthetic innovation. Following a year of lockdowns and social distancing, Hilma’s Ghost acts as a restorative project that uplifts these voices and makes them visible

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For more information about Hilma’s Ghost feminist artist collective and to nd

in-depth writing by Danielle Tegeder and Sharmistha Ray on the ABSTRACT

FUTURES TAROT deck, please scan this QR code:

A brief introduction to the tarot deck begins with the two largest divisions of it: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, also called Trump cards, in a number series of 0–21.

Using archetypes, such as “The Fool, and “The Empress”, these cards represent our spiritual life, karma, and inner self. The Minor Arcana contains 56 cards, which are comprised of four suits of 14 cards each, namely, Wands, Pentacles, Swords, and Cups. They are used as reference for re ection on the more practical aspects of life. As a divinatory tool, they are typically read through the lens of current happenings and relationships in ones’ life.

In the ABSTRACT FUTURES deck, the arcana are represented by their respective colors: Major Arcana – Black; Swords – Grey; Pentacles – Blue; Wands – Red; Cups – Yellow.

The sigil version of the artists’ combined initials that embellishes each card is symbolic of their collaboration.

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All following works in the ABSTRACT FUTURES TAROT series by Dannielle Tegeder and Sharmistha Ray were created in 2021. The original drawings are gouache, ink, and colored pencil on Fabriano Murillo paper and measure 17 x 9.75 inches…

The Fool starts at the beginning, a wandering lark.

They inhabit a world of freedom, of unlimited potential and possibility.

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Reversed, the Fool is feckless.

0- THE FOO

I- THE MAGICIA A maverick is numbered One, a universal seed awaiting its dawn.

The magician says, “Anything is possible!” The world is yours, and it lays bare open

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Reversed, the hand is empty

Material and light.

Body and stars.

Divine. Feminine.

All that is sacred is hidden from view, and held within a womb.

Unfold the darkness.

Reversed, there is a moonless night

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II - THE HIGH PRIESTESS

Gilded beauty, the feminine principle: a womb birthed. Share in natural plenitude, and give of it generously to others Reversed, I am not myself. I have a lack.

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III - THE EMPRESS

IV - THE EMPERO They are Father, a gure of moral authority

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Reversed, I am full of scorn. An ego runs amok.

Spirit comes thus. Tradition brings stability and belonging.

Reversed, ideology will be the doom.

V - THE HIEROPHANT

VI - THE LOVER Lovers: a bridge crossed between two shores that have always known each other.

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Reversed, there is a lack of faith.

VII - THE CHARIOT My chariot wills me to the fore, I am unstoppable.

Reversed, I have lost my way.

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VIII - STRENGT My vulnerability is my strength.

Hear within it the resilience of my heartbeat, quietened by a hand that guides it knowingly.

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Reversed, my roar is hidden in a whisper

IX - THE HERMI I look inward for my kingdom. I am not alone.

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Reversed, I withdraw from a barren world

X - WHEEL OF FORTUN A cycle is complete, another one starts. I move towards that which is destined for me.

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Reversed, the wheel breaks me.

I return to complete a turn.

XI - JUSTICE I seek fairness and truth, and it seeks me.

Reversed, the devil may care.

I surrender to the wind; the wind harnesses a pause. I let go.

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Reversed, I don’t know which way is up

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XII - THE HANGED MA

I nd death in a word The word is the beginning I transition to the nex but I am not an end

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Reversed, I refuse to accept my death; even if life blooms in the crater. All the owers have died.

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XIII - DEAT

The water gazes back at me, a re ection of my visage. My twin reveals a mirror.

Two parts make a whole. There is balance

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Reversed, I am discombobulated.

I must align with the center.

Meditate

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XIV TEMPERANC

A bloodthirst lust on the precipice, titillates my every feverish desire. I am haunted by what I need and want, and want and need.

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Reversed, I sink into the deep, not drowning, but surfacing to a oat. I greet my shadow

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XV - THE DEVI

Fear is an impenetrable tower, an awakening so profound, my body is in heat.

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Reversed, I resolve to undo, and be undone

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XVI - THE TOWE

From the ashes, emerges new life.

Slowly, at rst. I begin again from hope.

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Reversed, I roam free from other stars

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XVII - THE STA

If everything is false, what is really true? Call upon the tides of the moon. A time to venture inward and create spells.

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Reversed, there is delirium

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XVIII - THE MOO

I bask in the sun’s rays feeling my naked thigh against my chest, and heave into pleasure, unabated.

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Reversed, I am burned. Instead, play.

XIX - THE SU

I am reborn unto this world, free of the shackles that bound my former birth.

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Reversed, I do not rise.

XX JUDGEMEN

All worlds are now complete.

You have ventured, you have won.

Reversed, there is no closure without completion.

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XXI - THE WORL

Installation view, Armory Show booth, 2021

ACE OF CUP Your cup runneth over.

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Reversed, emotions are repressed.

Intuition can break the spell.

II - CUP I land in a forsaken place, abandoned and alone. From this place, I cannot escape. But I start running all the same.

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Reversed, I drift toward a foreign place.

III - CUP A con uence of C’s: celebration, creativity, collaborations.

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Reversed, Bacchus has free reign; three may also be a crowd

IV - CUP I reevaluate my circumstances; my apathy guides me inward.

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Reversed, I am cocooned in a shell. A grain of sand wraps itself around me. I retreat to the water’s edge.

V - CUP I am afraid of failure.

Pessimism engulfs me in gloom

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Reversed, I surrender; a missive arrives. I move forward on a bullet

There was a time, happiness oats, the boat to childhood, and back again.

Reversed, I live in the past; I am unable to forgive myself.

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VI - CUP

VII - CUP The world is maya. Illusion. I engage in wishful thinking

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Reversed, my choices overwhelm me; I lose sight of my personal values.

Re-center

VIII - CUP I land in a forsaken place, abandoned and alone. From this place, I cannot escape. But I start running all the same.

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Reversed, I drift toward a foreign place

IX - CU I have gratitude for all my wishes that have come true. I am content; satis ed.

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Reversed, I overindulge in whim and fancy.

My dissatisfaction leads me down narrow pathways

X - CUP I am in a state of perpetual bliss. I have found divine love; it dances drunkenly around me, like an enchanted bird.

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Reversed, I struggle in my relationships. I am disconnected from Source; the silver lining disappears behind a cloud

PAGE of CUP Intuitive messages come to me; I am full of playful streaks of curiosity. I am creative.

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Reversed, I doubt my intuition.

Creative blocks emerge

KNIGHT OF CUP Imagination, charm, and beauty.

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Reversed, I overthink. I am unrealistic about my achievements; I wane with jealousy

I am in the divine ow; I am caring, stable, intuitive, compassionate.

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Reversed, I am codependent.

Replenish spirit, to be in the ow

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QUEEN OF CUP

I am emotionally balanced, compassionate, and diplomatic.

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Reversed, I am moody, and prone to emotional manipulation

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KING OF CUP

ACE OF SWORD A breakthrough signals clarity

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Reversed, there are clouds.

II - SWORD An impasse leads to avoidance; dif cult decisions must be made.

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Reversed, there is stalemate.

Splintered heart.

A world of sorrow.

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Reversed, there is a release.

Forgiveness follows.

III- SWORD

IV - SWORD Rest.

Recuperate. Find your center.

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Reversed, there is stagnation

I must win at all costs.

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Reversed, I make amends.

V - SWORD

VI - SWORD There are changes afoot.

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Reversed, there is un nished business.

VII- SWORD Someone has been betrayed.

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Reversed, my secrets gnaw at me.

VIII- SWORD I hold myself back.

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Reversed, I let go

IX- SWORD Illusions dance behind my eyes.

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Reversed, fear grips me in a cold sweat.

X- SWORD Deep wounds, and loss.

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Reversed, these old wounds are buried deep

PAGE OF SWORD A new idea sparks, a thirst for knowledge; new horizons

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Reversed, there is haste. Slow down.

KNIGHT OF SWORD My ambition knows no bounds; but sometimes, I miss my mark.

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Reversed, my impulses burn me out

QUEEN OF SWORD I make my boundaries clear; my communication is direct.

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Reversed, I am a cold-hearted snak

I am the king of kings. I rule with my head, and not my heart.

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Reversed, I may misuse my power

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KING OF SWORD

Opportunities ow into my life.

The potential for growth is vast.

Reversed, I lack direction. There are unforeseen delays.

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ACE OF WANDS

II - WAND I am in the process of discovery. I make plans for the future, and progress.

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Reversed, a lack of plans leads to a fear of the unknown.

III- WAND There is expansion resulting from foresight; a possible trip overseas.

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Reversed, I am a teeny tiny beetle.

I forget my own power.

Joy and harmony envelop my life. I am relaxed.

There is kinship.

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Reversed, there is con ict with others; a likely transition plays out.

IV- WAND

There is tension.

Disagreements abound.

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Reversed, there is avoidance.

V- WAND

VI - WAND Success has arrived! You are being recognized for your achievements, and your selfcon dence blooms.

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Reversed, there is a fall from grace

There is a challenge to your authority; a competition on the horizon. Ask for protection, and persevere.

Reversed, you are exhausted.

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VII - WAND

VIII - WAND Changes are afoot which call for agility and action.

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Reversed, you are resisting change.

IX - WAND Courage and persistence pay off. This is a test of faith.

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Reversed, you are defensive; maybe even a tad paranoid.

You have taken on new responsibilities.

Work hard to complete your project or task.

Reversed, you think you can do it all. Enlist help.

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X - WAND

This fellow is bursting with ideas; they want to soar with limitless potential into the skies.

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Reversed, these ideas have the mark of amateurism. Dig deeper to unleash the free spirit of the page.

PAGE OF WAND

KNIGHT OF WAND Blazing forth passion and inspired action; but weight adventure against impulsive means

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Reversed, energies are scattered like torn bits of paper in the wind

QUEEN OF WAND A social butter y with grit, courage, and determination.

Truly, a warrior queen.

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Reversed, she turns inward to locate a sense of self

KING OF WAND A natural born leader; a visionary or an entrepreneur borne of honor.

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Reversed, there is ruthless haste, or a hasteful ruthlessness.

High expectations that are never met.

ACE OF PENTACLE An opportunity, a manifestation, or an insight.

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Reversed, an opportunity lost

I am managing my time; I know what my priorities are and I adapt accordingly to changes.

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Reversed, I am overwhelmed.

II - PENTACLE

III - PENTACLE I know how to collaborate with others and work in a team.

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Reversed, I am out of alignment with myself

IV - PENTACLE I am in control of my nances.

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Reversed, my greed unleashes a tsunami.

V - PENTACLE I worry about not having enough.

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Reversed, my spirit is impoverished. I look for the lake of spirits, to quench my fever with its heavenly tide.

VI - PENTACLE I share my riches; because I know it will come back to me.

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Reversed, my debts become the sea and the sea engulfs me.

I persevere. My long-term view leads to an accrual of investments.

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Reversed, I pursue short-term grati cation.

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VII PENTACLE

VIII PENTACLE Master of trades

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Reversed, I attain perfection, but quiver at its mercy.

IX - PENTACLE I am nancially independent; I can afford luxuries.

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Reversed, I question my selfworth. I hustle to make a living

Wealth comes to me. I am nancially secure. My investments in my family and long-term future are paying off.

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Reversed, I am in the belly of the beast.

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X - PENTACLE

I manifest a nancial opportunity. I seek new skills to harness.

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Reversed, I procrastinate.

Progress eludes me.

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PAGE OF PENTACLE

KNIGHT OF PENTACLE I nd solace in my routines. I work hard.

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Reversed, I feel stuck. I have nowhere left to go.

QUEEN OF PENTACLE All my kin are replenished at my womb.

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Reversed, I nourish myself.

KING OF PENTACLE I am a leader in business; I am secure and abundant.

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Reversed, obsessing over wealth and status.

Installation view, Armory Show booth, 2021

Installation view, Armory Show booth, 2021

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"Go ahead, go for it! Go after what you want. You know it’s right in front of you so reach out and grab it.

Missing an opportunity because you don’t take it is worse than trying and failing. Maybe the success will be in the failure? Live without regrets because at least you tried." , 2021, acrylic and ashe on canvas, 72 x 96 inches

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"Not everything is as it seems right now. You are unsure as to which way to go next. It feels uncomfortable to be so unsure, but you must make a decision because standing still or remaining in place is not an option. Make your choice.", 2021, acrylic and ashe on canvas, 60 x 48 inches

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“You are embarking upon a new journey…put your all into it, your whole heart. Explore! Don’t be afraid of what you nd or what you uncover. Is it too good to be true? No, it’s everything you hoped for and more. This is the inspiration you always desired.”, 2021, acrylic and ashe on canvas, 60 x 48 inches

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Giving and giving and giving leads to the burnout of too much generosity , 2021, acrylic, ashe, spray paint, ink and colored pencils, 20 x 16 inche

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Why are you torturing yourself when you have already healed? , 2021, acrylic, ashe, spray paint, ink and colored pencils, 20 x 16 inche

Sharmistha Ray is an artist, art critic, and educator based in Brooklyn, New York. For two decades, their work has explored subjective experience through the lens of queerness, language, and memory. Ray’s core practice consists of drawing, but also includes painting, sculpture, video installation, and photography. They have exhibited their work in solo exhibitions in Mumbai, New York, and Singapore, and shown in group exhibitions and art fairs in the U.S. and abroad. They are the recipient of a Joan Mitchell MFA Grant, and received their MFA in Painting from Pratt Institute. Currently, they teach in the MFA programs at Parsons School of Design and School of Art at Carnegie Mellon University

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Dannielle Tegeder is an artist and professor at The City University of New York at Lehman College. For the past fteen years, her work has explored abstraction through the lens of systems, architecture, and utopianism. While the core of her practice is paintings and drawings, she also works in large-scale installation, mobiles, video, sound, and animation and has done a number of collaborations with composers, dancers, and writers. In March 2020 Tegeder founded The Pandemic Salon, a community-centric project intended to dismantle the hierarchical structures of institutional discussion, which showcases topics related to the pandemic by bringing together creative minds in an informal, online environment that has connected over 600 participants from 40 countries

Carrie Secrist Gallery

900 West Washington, Chicago, IL 60607

312.491.0917

www.secristgallery.com

For more information, please contact Britton Bertran at 312.491.0917

All work copyright the artist and Carrie Secrist Gallery, ©2021. Any use, disclosure, copying or distribution of this document without prior written permission from the owner is strictly prohibited.

Pricing and availability of works of art listed in this document is subject to change without prior notice.