What’s on the Line… is a participatory public art piece that calls attention to the shame women carry. Populated by words typically used towards and about women, the work presents the idea that our vernacular and social norms provide permission to make outward snap judgements, which undermine security and make an entire gender of people feel “less than”. When inhabited by performers and light, the work also circles around themes of domestic labor, identity existing in layers, and transparency.

The installation is a component of Holman’s 2021 performance piece Contradictions + Casual Self Loathing, which has been supported by The Boston Foundation, New England Foundation for the Arts, and the Boston and Dedham Cultural Councils.

Read the Boston Globe feature for Contradictions here.

Read an interview about WOTL with Connect 2 Choreography blog here.

Created by: Kimberleigh Holman

Dramaturgy: karen Krolak

Thanks to the many interview subjects, participants, and viewers that have donated their experiences to this project.

Currently On View

Hyde Park Branch, Boston Public Library

How to View:

Viewers are encouraged to listen to the audio tracks (below) while viewing, and to submit their own material if they feel comfortable to do so. Submissions will be gradually added to the clothesline.