๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐พ๐: an outdoor exhibition
Updated: Sep 27
Wheatpaste exhibition presented by ๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ collective
TAKING SPACE is the second exhibition organized by FRANK, an Atlanta-based LGBTQIA+ artist collective committed to creating opportunities for queer artists and presenting work outside traditional gallery structures.
Our first exhibition, Being FRANK: It Is Because I Am, debuted in 2025 in a former storefront at Ansley Mall, transforming an unexpected space into a temporary gallery. With TAKING SPACE, we continue that practice by moving entirely outdoors and exploring what it means to claim space, remain visible, and create work that exists beyond the walls of traditional institutions.
For many queer artists, visibility is not guaranteed. It is something that must be continually claimed. Throughout history, graffiti, wheat pasting, and other forms of public expression have offered ways to occupy space, challenge norms, and make voices visible.
Building on FRANKโs use of wheat pasting as both an artistic practice and cultural language, TAKING SPACE brings together works by 13 artists installed on the exterior of LOOP. Each 36โ x 24โ work was created with the understanding that it will change over time, developing a natural patina as it is exposed to sunlight, rain, weather, and the surrounding environment. Some artists wheatpasted prints directly to wooden boards, while others chose to layer other materials to their pieces. It makes for a intriguing range of textures along the historical brick background.
This art installation's temporary nature is intentional. The work is not meant to remain pristine or protected. Its vulnerability reflects the ongoing act of remaining visible, adapting, persisting, and continuing to take up space.
The installation itself was a collective effort. FRANKโs founding members conceptualized, designed, built, and mounted the outdoor gallery wall and installed the artwork together. All written content was wheat pasted directly onto wood, making the physical construction and installation of the exhibition part of the work itself.
TAKING SPACE opened with a reception on September 24, 2026, featuring music by DJ Brian Rojas. Rather than existing as a brief gallery exhibition, the installation will remain outdoors for an extended period, allowing the public to encounter the work repeatedly and witness its transformation over time.
As the work changes, the exhibition continues to live.
We are here. We are visible. We are TAKING SPACE.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Ike Chinukwueย (Pastel)
About FRANK
Letโs be Frank. FRANK is a community of Atlanta-based LGBTQIA+ artists united in a mission to challenge societal norms, dismantle insular beliefs, and provoke meaningful dialogue around art, culture, politics, sexuality, and gender. Through group exhibitions and collaborative projects, FRANK creates space for these subjects to be explored with authenticity, respect, and courage.
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