In a world rife with violence of all sorts, Argentinian-American queer artist Stephanie Mercedes turns some of the most recognizable tools of violence into ones of peace. Through bullet and gun melting ceremonies, in addition to looking at the violent histories of her family’s native Argentina, Mercedes examines these acts and encourages others to do the same through hands-on performances and ceremonies. Mercedes spoke with us about transitioning her work to virtual spaces, her time as a Halcyon Arts Lab artist-in-residence, and her upcoming solo exhibition at Homme Gallery.

…

Q: As a Halcyon Arts Lab fellow, you continued and expanded on a lot of this work through that fellowship. Can you tell me more about that experience?

Artist residencies and spaces like Halcyon are so, so important for emerging artists. They’re giving artists both the gift of time and financial support. I was able to really establish my practice and transition into a full-time artist. A lot of times, you just need to have someone or an institution who’s willing to invest in your practice and give you time to make new work and figure out how you know how you can make this crazy thing called being a full-time artist work. Halcyon really did that for me, and I’m super grateful. That gift of having a long residency,  financial support, an apartment and a beautiful studio for a year is so incredible.