The next Rooted in Art lecture series from SLO County Arts and the City of San Luis Obispo’s Public Art program puts a different spin on a Halloween trope, examining the figure of the “monster” in popular culture.
On October 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the SLO Public Library Community Room, Linnea Valdivia will speak on “Unruly Bodies: Monstrosity, Race and Gender in Pop Culture.” Valdivia is program manager for the GALA Pride and Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo.
The free presentation examines how the idea of a “freak” embodies both liberation and control, and asks how race shapes whether female unruliness is celebrated or condemned.
Drawing on performance studies and critical race theory, the session includes video screenings, guided discussion, and an interactive exercise that invites participants to analyze visual culture through an intersectional lens.
The Rooted in Art series celebrates diverse artistic talents and provides insightful discussions around art-related topics from artists, arts educators, and curators who share experiences and stories from the creative field.
Lectures are free and open to the public, but registration in advance is requested.