Zine Launch: ‘The Duet of the Exodus’ by Queer Patch

esea contemporary is pleased to host the launch of 'The Duet of the Exodus', a non-traditional zine conceived by Queer Patch. Taking the form of a mail package, the zine serves as both a medium and a metaphor for the lived experiences of Chinese female and queer diasporic communities.

Bringing together works by Jingjing Huang, Momo and Shengxuan, Samuel, Marissa, Yuyue, Xiaodangjia (小当家), Zaozao, Vanilla Chi, You Liang, and all the participants of the Series of Diaspora Chinese Queer Manifesto Workshops in London and New York, alongside a collaboratively written manifesto zine, the project reimagines paper as a site of exhibition, resonance, and storytelling. Exploring themes from plant diaspora and dispersal under colonisation to the growing pains of adolescence and embodied transformation, ‘The Duet of the Exodus’ unfolds through poetry, visual art, diary entries and translation — a multi-layered practice that emerges in the interstices of languages.

‘Blending multiple creative approaches, the project challenges the limitations of the Western linguistic framework and the gaps in their mother tongues.’ — Jingjing Huang, Queer Patch

Opening with a panel talk consisting of the editors of the book, Jingjing Huang, You Liang, and Yuyue, this conversation reflects on the making of the zine and the experiences that shaped it, followed by an open Q&A with the audience. The programme concludes with a social gathering, book signing, and sales — a chance to connect directly with the speakers and take home a piece of the project.

Join us for an evening of communal conversation and shared storytelling, as ‘The Duet of the Exodus’ redefines what a zine, and an exhibition, can be.

Image Credits:

1-2. 'Collective Creative Writing' workshop, image courtesy of Queer Patch.

3. 'A Queer Story of Carnivorous Plants', by Momo and Shengxuan Hu. Image courtesy of Queer Patch.

4-5. 'Collective Creative Writing' workshop, image courtesy of Queer Patch.

About Queer Patch

Queer Patch is a transnational Sinophone queer diaspora artists' collective and community As a grassroots arts organisation, the collective aims to amplify the voices of the Sinophone queer diaspora and bring attention to the often unspeakable life experiences within these communities. Through art, they empower individuals to share their stories, offering workshops and resources to support those who may lack prior experience in artistic expression. To date, Queer Patch has organised events, film screenings, exhibitions, and publications across the UK, the Netherlands, Japan, and France.

About esea contemporary

esea contemporary is the UK’s only non-profit art centre specialising in presenting and platforming artists and art practices that identify with and are informed by East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultural backgrounds.

esea contemporary is situated in an award-winning building in the heart of Manchester, home to one of the largest East Asian populations in the UK. Since its inauguration as a community-oriented visual arts festival in 1986, esea contemporary has continuously evolved to establish itself as a dynamic and engaging space for cross-cultural exchanges in the British art scene, as well as in a global context.

esea contemporary aims to increase the visibility of contemporary art practices from the East and Southeast Asian communities and their diasporas. It is a site for forward-thinking art programmes that beyond exhibitions also include commissions, research, residencies, publishing, and a wide range of vibrant public events. esea contemporary values creativity, compassion, interconnectedness, and collectivity in implementing its mission.

Learn more at: www.eseacontemporary.org

Photo by Joe Smith.