whataboutery, 2026
Selected - IV Triennial of Bulgarian Mini Textile Art BULGARIA 2026
Selected - celebrating our strength in our diversity Online Exhibition 2026
Whataboutery explores how declarations of support for multiculturalism, anti-racism, equality and minority rights that can become conditional when confronted by experiences or identities that do not fit a particular narrative.
The work comprises sixteen badges, each hand stitched with a statement such as ‘ANTI-RACISM I hear you but…’, ‘ANTI-HATE aside from…’ and ‘ANTI-DISCRIMINATION nevertheless…’. The familiar language of inclusion is undermined by the qualifying words that follow it. ‘What about…’ and ‘yes, but…’ become ways of deflecting attention, revealing the contradictions that arise when equality and solidarity are selectively applied.
The badges reference belonging and collective identity, while the slow process of hand stitching contrasts with the speed and immediacy of contemporary discourse. Together, they question how easily solidarity can become conditional and whether inclusion can genuinely be universal when exceptions are continually made.
Measurement: 20cm x 20cm x 1mm
Materials: 16 badges, cotton, silk threads
Process: Hand stitch
Exhibited in:
Different, IV Triennial of Bulgarian Mini Textile Art, Sofia, Bulgaria (5 November - 4 December 2026)
Celebrating Our Strength In Our Diversity, Chinwe Russell Gallery Online Exhibition (5 October - 20 November 2026)
comments
Brilliant!
Great work as usual and very thought provoking. Rather like those people who say, “I’m not a racist, but…”
Perfect…
Incredibly brilliant as always
Another beautiful collection. I love the name of this artwork ‘Whataboutery’
I love your artwork, but it makes me really sad as it is always so true
Conditional acceptance perpetuates the lie behind it
Absolutely brilliant!
Right on the button
Exactly…
Excellent. All the mealy-mouthed language of ‘Yes-but’ conversation shown up for what it is
Such a clever artwork. So much to think about
I think they are brilliant
You never cease to amaze me with your incredible work