TRANSFORMER20:
THE BOOK
“transformer20 is a work of art in itself.”
- Mark Jenkins, The Washington Post, August 11, 2023
Cataloging 20 years of emerging artists, experimental exhibitions, and collaborative programming.
Transformer’s first retrospective book, transformer20, delves into the rich history and impact of Transformer as a leading non-profit visual arts organization based in Washington, DC, with notable national and international reach.
Serving as a love letter to the organization and our community of artists and collaborators, this book presents a visual timeline chronicling Transformer’s 20 years of exhibitions and programs, showcasing the incredible stories of emerging artists and key supporters.
Featuring expansive documentation, ephemera, and press presented alongside personal and first-hand conversations between artists and writings by leaders in the visual arts field, transformer20 invites readers to intimately explore the influential experiences, challenges, and triumphs of those who have been touched by Transformer, its space, its leadership, and it's continually growing network.
Photos by Mariah Miranda (@mariahmirandaphoto)
SPECIAL GUEST ESSAYS
HOLLY BASS, artist; BLAKE GOPNIK, Contributing Critic at The New York Times and author of Warhol, A Comprehensive Biography of the Pop Artist; GEORGIE PAYNE, independent curator & former Transformer Exhibitions & Programs Manager; VICTORIA REIS, Transformer Founder & Executive/Artistic Director; and JOSÉ RUIZ, artist & Director of the Curatorial Practice MFA program at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS
JAMES ALEFANTIS, Restauranteur & Transformer Board President; AMY HUGHES BRADEN, Artist & Transformer staff alumni; BRECK BRUNSON, Artist; JESSICA CEBRA, Artist; JOHN CHAICH, Curator, Designer, & Writer, Curator of Queer Threads; CYNTHIA CONNOLLY, Artist; HOESY CORONA, Artist; REX DELAFKARAN, Artist & Transformer staff alumni; MIA FEUER, Artist; MAPS GLOVER, Artist; JULIA HOLLADAY, Curator & Transformer staff alumni; CHANDI KELLEY, Artist; NILAY LAWSON, Artist; MARISSA LONG, Artist & Transformer staff alumni; JENNIFER WEN MA, Artist & Transformer Advisory Council Member; JAYME MCLELLAN, Artist & Transformer co-founder; SVETLANNA MINTCHEVA, Consultant & Former National Coalition Against Censorship’s Director of Programs; JOSEPH ORZAL, Artist & Director of NoMüNoMü; CELENE RYAN, Curator & Arts Administrator; CARL F.K. PAO, Artist & Educator; SOLOMON SANCHEZ, Artist; FARRAH SKEIKY, Artist; ZACH STORM, Artist; MARTHA WILSON, Artist & Transformer Advisory Council Member; NAOCO WOWSUGI, Artist.
BUY THE BOOK!
Be a part of Transformer’s legacy! Purchase transformer20 for your collection today.
The second printing will be available in late February 2024.
BOOK DETAILS
Produced by Transformer
Printed by Bookmobile
ISBN: 979-8-218-20169-2
Publish Date: June 2023
Size: 10 x 7”
Pages: 484
Type: softcover
Cover image by Amanda Kleinman for Transformers exhibition, 2004.
Transformer20 Book TOUR
On the occasion of the release of our first-ever major publication, transformer20, which traces the organization’s 20 years of history and impact, Transformer is thrilled to present a National book tour that features artist panels and community conversations as part of our ongoing FRAMEWORK panel series. These discussions are poised to delve into pivotal topics in contemporary art, fostering an exchange of insights and experiences that invigorate contemporary art practice.
Presented in collaboration with peer art spaces, cultural organizations, and educational institutions, these panels will traverse a diverse array of subjects. From artist equity and professional growth to nurturing artistic communities and navigating the intricacies of sustaining creative practices, these conversations will bring to life the insights from transformer20 through real-time discussions about creating and supporting contemporary emerging artists today. Moreover, they will encourage a sense of connection among peers, laying the groundwork for future collaboration and resource sharing between artists, organizations, and communities.
ABOUT TRANSFORMER
Transformer was founded in 2002 by Victoria Reis and Jayme McLellan in response to growing needs for an arts organization in Washington DC dedicated to nurturing emerging artists. Inspired by their experiences as emerging arts organizers and working within artist communities, Victoria and Jayme aimed to create a nurturing space that showcased the work of under-recognized artists and encouraged experimentation with a strong DIY ethos. In 2006, Jayme McLellan stepped down from her role as co-Director of Transformer. Victoria Reis took on the mantle as the sole Executive & Artistic Director of Transformer, a position she continues to hold to this day, propelling Transformer, emerging artists, and new generations of arts organizers and leaders.
Since its inception, Transformer has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing a consistent, artist-centered platform for emerging artists in DC. The organization's founding DIY and DC punk inspired principles continue to shape its identity, fostering connections, pushing boundaries, and amplifying emerging voices in the contemporary art scene. Headquartered at its original 1404 P Street NW location, Transformer has evolved into a dynamic and influential force within the international arts landscape. In 2022, the organization proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of transformative impact in the arts.