I first came across the concept of a sub-grid in physical simulations; a type of computer programming that simulates aspects of the real world in order to better understand how they work, which in turn allow us to make predictions. In these simulations, a computational grid divides the physical world into discrete cells. Each cell represents an average of the physical parameters, but cannot not capture every single physical process that is occurring. The sub-grid refers to scales of physical processes that occur at a smaller level than what the larger simulation is capturing. Despite being below the resolution of the grid, what’s happening on the sub-grid will still have real-world impacts on whatever the simulation is representing.

To me, queerness is often a type of sub-grid. Similar to the way that sub-grid phenomena escape the resolution of computational simulations, queerness exists beyond the rigid structures of societal norms. This exhibition brings together queer artists whose work embodies the fluidity, resistance, and nuance that fall between the conventional frameworks of daily life. Like the unseen but essential forces in sub-grid models, queerness reshapes and influences the broader landscape—undetected by those focused only on the larger, visible structures. These artists capture the beauty and complexity of identities, desires, sexualities, and experiences that reside in these interstitial spaces, pushing the boundaries of what is known and resolved.

– Mare Hirsch, curator and contributing artist

• Reception and Artist Talk: October 30, 5 p.m.