USC Roski MA Curatorial Practices: the very substance of ourselves

The USC Roski MA '27 Cohort in Curatorial Practices and the Public Sphere presents the very substance of ourselves. The exhibition traces the connective tissues that bridge our physical bodies and interiorities with the constructed and natural landscapes that we inhabit. Grounded in posthumanist philosopher Stacy Alaimo’s concept of transcorporeality, the exhibition theorizes human bodies as deeply enmeshed in an active and lively world of matter, rather than sole actors in an inert environment. The included artists explore many forms of transformation—from invasive to intangible—as they relate to physicality, embodiment, memory and identity across time and space. The very substance of ourselves invites viewers to consider how the self is continually reshaped through contact with others, extending outward and merging with the world around us.

Featuring work by... Ophelia Arc • Isabel Avila • Brenda Barrios • Jay Carlon • Alexandra Carter • Tracy L. Chandler • courtney coles • Olivia Rae Harris • Shana Hoehn • Maria Maea • Yong Soon Min • Debra Scacco

MA 2027 Curatorial Team... Meg Burns • Sam Garduño Marin • Anabelle Gunderson • Eunice Han • Courtney King • Jiwon Lee • Lexi Myrie • Jialiang Wang

Opening Reception
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Exhibition on view
September 17 - October 25, 2026

Closing Reception
Friday, October 23 | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Special Event

Roski Talk by Debra Scacco
Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 pm

Performance by Jay Carlon
Thursday, September 17, 7:00 pm

Movement workshop by Anabelle Gunderson & Courtney King
Saturday, September 26, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Gallery Hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday & Monday: by appointment

Location
Roski Graduate Building (Los Angeles Arts District)
1262 Palmetto Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

Visual identity designed by Chelsie Dian Lin.