Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Mattress Factory, a 'By Artists, For Artists' contemporary art museum announces the artist selections from our unparalleled program invited artists worldwide to share their work with our Artist Alumni Review Panel: Jon Rubin, Harrison Kinnane Smith, and Julie Schenkelberg. Mattress Factory received an overwhelming response from 90 countries, resulting in nearly 1800 submissions. The selected artists, Ting Tong Chang, Yasmin El Meleegy, and Lolo y Lauti, will develop their first solo U.S. exhibitions of new site-specific work at Mattress Factory. The artists were chosen for their visionary, exceptional, and audacious work. Through artist residencies, Mattress Factory commits to the production of diverse and pioneering work.
Mattress Factory holds a philosophy of curatorial inclusivity and collaboration. International Open Call embraces this approach by prioritizing the perspective and experience of artist alumni. The panelists reviewed all the submissions over a period of months and had total agency over selections. The Artist Alumni Review Panel ensures that the selection process is deeply rooted in our belief in artistic autonomy and our commitment to being an artist centered organization where experimentation and risk-taking are celebrated.
Artist Review Panelist John Rubin remarked on the selection process, "Choosing artists for the International Open Call was incredibly challenging, given the sheer volume of amazing work. The caliber and diversity of submissions truly impressed everyone on the panel, making our decision a difficult but rewarding one."
Ting Tong Chang
Based in Taiwan and Spain, Ting Tong Chang crafts dynamic environments that blur the boundaries between the physical and digital realms. Deeply rooted in addressing social and cultural issues of Asian societies, his work aims to provoke dialogue and reflection. Through interactive and mechanized sculptures, Chang invites viewers into a world where art and technology coalesce to reflect on personal identity and the environment.
Yasmin El Meleegy
Yasmin El Meleegy’s artistic journey explores the intersections between history, materiality, and identity. Through her multidisciplinary approach, which spans sculpture, installation, and site-specific interventions, Cairo-based El Meleegy delves into historical narratives, presenting them in a new contemporary context. Her meticulous attention to the texture, form, and inherent stories of materials invites a tactile engagement, urging audiences to consider the deeper meanings embedded within the physicality of her art.
Lolo y Lauti
The artistic duo Lolo y Lauti, known for their vibrant and provocative performances, reimagine the Argentine queer archive. Their work is a mix of satire, humor, and critical insight, using performance art as a medium to interrogate cultural and historical narratives. Their performances are not only entertainment but also acts of resistance, offering a counter to dominant historical records and advocating for the visibility and inclusion of queer voices.
