It's surprising how an essay titled "Why I Am an Asshole" can evoke such emotion, yet artists like Joseph Grigely continually astonish us with their perspectives. Featured in his recent collection, Otherhow: Essays and Documents on Art and Disability 1985-2024, this poignant piece from 2021 is a blend of humor and heartache, making readers both laugh and reflect deeply.
Grigely, a deaf artist, uses the term "asshole" to express his frustrations with ableism and the constant challenges he faces. His experiences highlight the often-overlooked struggles of navigating a world that can be unkind or dismissive, especially when communication barriers arise.
In a light-hearted yet revealing manner, he recounts how he once apologized to students during a Zoom lecture for his need to multitask while managing the technology that often falls short of true accessibility. His candidness about the limitations of such platforms adds a layer of authenticity to his narrative.
The book opens with a series of postcards that Grigely sent to artist Sophie Calle, critiquing her work "The Blind" (1986). He gently challenges the accessibility of her portrayal of blind individuals, showcasing his commitment to advocating for those often marginalized in the art world. Calle's willingness to engage with him further emphasizes the importance of dialogue in addressing ableism.
Grigely's unique method of communication--through notes and written exchanges--serves as a powerful artistic medium. He has transformed his collection of everyday conversations into art, coining the term "rhopography" to describe his focus on the mundane yet significant interactions that shape our lives.
Over the past three decades, Grigely has created impactful works that reflect his experiences and insights. His installations, such as White Noise (2023), exemplify how he merges art with advocacy, using color theory to draw parallels between sound and visual experiences.
Throughout his essays, Grigely balances his frustrations with humor, often concluding with a joke, regardless of the seriousness of the topic. This approach not only engages readers but also invites them to reflect on the complexities of his experiences as an artist navigating the challenges of disability.
Ultimately, Grigely's work is a testament to the resilience and creativity found within the disability arts movement. His ability to articulate both anger and hope inspires a broader conversation about accessibility and inclusion in the art world.