Vexillologies is an exhibition of collaborative work created by artist Steven Frost and the 2021 ArtLab Interns as part of the PlatteForum Artist’s Residency Program. This exhibition features weavings, flags, and other textiles that consider collective design, and community representation. Using design principles established by the North American Vexillological Society, Frost worked with ArtLab Interns to design a flag for PlatteForum in honor of their new location at the Savoy on Curtis Park. The flag was inspired by LGBTQIA+ symbols, the ArtLab community and the Denver City Flag (which was created by a high school senior in 1926). Frost also collaborated with ArtLab interns on a series of collectively made textiles constructed from upcycled clothing, found materials and yarn. These pieces will be accompanied by textile works and Frost’s large-scale weaving, the Mile High Pride Flag which they were commisioned to make for the city of Denver in 2020 as part of the show, Queer City of the Plains.
You can listen to former PlatteForum director Kim McCarty and Steven discuss this project on the ArtMoves Podcast.
Steven Frost + Summer 2021 PlatteForum Interns
Colored pencils, markers, tape and construction paper
During the summer of 2021, the PlatteForum internship & residency program moved from their previous site to a new one. Frost prompted the interns to design a flag for the new location. They asked interns to incorporate representations of PlatteForum’s past, present, and future in the design. The interns thought about their experiences, their aspirations for the internship program, and drew inspiration from queer pride, city, activist, and national flags. These drawings and collages are the result of a series of design prompts Frost led the interns through to create a design for the PlatteForum flag.
Steven Frost + Summer 2021 PlatteForum Interns
3’x5′. Embroidery and cotton appliqué on indigo-dyed denim
This flag symbolizes each PlatteForum intern as an individual and as part of their community. Using embroidery and appliqué methods, PlatteForum residents each made a unique logo. Frost then arranged the logos around a lavender flower, which interns designed for the PlatteForum Flag. Frost mounted their image on hand-dyed indigo denim. The traditional process of growing, harvesting, and producing indigo dye requires a great deal of cooperation so the color is often a representation of devotion and caring for others.
Steven Frost + Summer 2021 PlatteForum Interns
3’x5′. Cotton, polyester fringe, and upcycled bed sheets.
The three flowers represent the three main focuses of PlatteForum’s mission: ArtLab Program, the Residency Program, and Community Outreach. The red is pulled from the original design for the organization. Orange represents inclusivity. Green indicates a commitment to socially & environmentally conscious art. The light blue, white, brown, and black represent the diverse communities the PlatteForum serves and pulls front the design language of the Denver City Flag design (Designed by a North High Senior in 1926).
Steven Frost + Summer 2021 PlatteForum Interns
12’x9’Sequins, paracord, personal clothing, thrifted clothing, and upcycled craft materials
Using backstrap looms Frost made at the Boulder Public Library, this woven composition was produced by the artist and PlatteForum residents using some of their own clothing and a variety of upcycled craft materials.
Steven Frost
8’x14′. Sequins, paracord, clothing, Colorado-grown hemp, and second-hand yarn
The Mile High Pride Flag is handwoven and was constructed for the Queer City of the Plains exhibition in 2020 (curated by Brendan Picker). Its design builds on Gilbert Baker’s original 1978 flag and Daniel Quasar’s 2018 Progress Pride Flag. Its golden-yellow center also points to Denver’s city flag design which was created by Margaret Overbeck in 1926 and integrated design elements from the US, Colorado, Apache, Ute, Cheyenne, Comanche, and Arapahoe Nation flags. This flag’s form pays tribute to Denver’s original diva, Molly Brown’s opera cloak (seen at the History Colorado Center). Frost weaves these materials, colors, and design elements together in a familiar yet contemporary form which serves as a metaphor for the broad range of people that have come together to make Denver the Queer City of the Plains.
