The Great Harrowing

• Maya Coates Cush

The shackles of modern America twist around dark feet Breath cut off by the knees of those who are to protect us We chant, “No Justice! No Peace!”

No peace means anger. The anger of millionsMelanin dripping?

Onto the skin of others who stand with us?

That’s a metaphor of course, For the want and effort to understand, but never will.

Iris: Art + Lit

Club Presidents / Editors in Chief • Gavin Kimmel, Addie Morrisette Page Designers • Lucy Benson, Gavin Kimmel, Addie Morrisette, Maren Ostrem, Lynn Reynolds Club Adviser • Andrew Inchiosa, Director of Publications • Kathryn Campbell, CJE

Juror Bios And Statements

D. Allen: D. (thebodyconnected.com) is a nonbinary queer poet and multidisciplinary artist living in Minneapolis. In their first book, A Bony Framework for the Tangible Universe (The Operating System, 2019) and their other projects, D. explores relationships between the body, illness, disability, intimacy, the natural world, sexuality, and gender. This work takes many forms: word architectures, painted surfaces, light drawings, textured sounds, soft spaces, slow dinners, sustained listening, tender assemblages, quiet gardening, deep breaths. They value each of these endeavors equally.

Christopher Selleck: I was beyond excited when asked to serve as the juror for this year’s Iris: Art + Lit magazine. As an artist and photographer who has been making work for over 25+ years, I have seen and experienced first-hand the transformative power that art can have for those making, looking, writing, and thinking about it. With the UNPRECEDENTED year we have collectively been going through with COVID-19, George Floyd and The Election (being just a few things) having the opportunity to create art has felt more important than ever. Using that time in the various art studios, or at home independently, to manifest feelings, thoughts, desires, and inquiries have been a way to channel that anger, joy, sadness we are individually and collectively processing. In looking intently and carefully at each and every image submitted, I could see the places, faces and ideas that were compelling each of these artists to create something new and commend them, and those not selected, for being brave enough to share them with the SPA community. Thanks for showing us how your Minds and Hearts have helped shaped our collective Hearts and Minds.