Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective Book Launch and Cherry Bomb Afterparty

The Magic Hour Mirror Ball in Gallery 1, Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective. Curated by Emelie Chhangur, 2021, Art Gallery of York University. Photo by Yuula Benivolski

You’re Welcome to a Night of Performance and Party

Saturday, November 9, 2024
Performance Book Launch 7-10pm (Free)
Cherry Bomb Afterparty 10pm ($15 advance, $20 door)
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Toronto
Tickets and details here

Come out to the Toronto performance book launch of Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective: Constellating performance archives (2024, Intellect Books and AGYU) at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Legendary Canadian comedian Elvira Kurt hosts with a dazzling lineup of collaborators, conspirators, and queer luminaries including Jess Dobkin, Tamyka Bullen, Simla Civelek, Keith Cole, Moynan King, Lisa Kiss, Clayton Lee, Laura Levin, Ralitsa Rodriguez, Alex Tigchelaar, and Shalon T. Webber-Heffernan. It will be a night packed with performances, book signings, merch, revelry, and likely some nudity. DJ Cozmic Cat spins.

A special discount on Wetrospective books and merch will be available at the event from 7-10pm. Cash payments preferred. Books and merch can also be pre-ordered for pick up at Buddies in Bad Times on November 9.

Photo by Nancy Kim

Directly following the book launch, come bump, grind, and groove at the Cherry Bomb Wetrospective Afterparty, a full facility bash featuring the spectacular DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson, with dancing and performances by burlesque artists Kimora Koi and Rubie Magnitude. Cherry Bomb is Toronto’s longest running fun, flirty, dance yo’ ass off party for queer women and friends.

Cherry Bomb requires a separate ticket. Purchase your Cherry Bomb Afterparty ticket here.

Accessibility

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is a fully accessible venue. Accessibility information can be found here. Please email aidan@buddiesinbadtimes.com to enquire further about accessibility at the venue.

ASL interpreters April Holtom and Felice Shays will be available at the book launch from 7-10pm for stage performances, box office, merch table and general schmoozing.

Installation view of Gallery 1, Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective. Curated by Emelie Chhangur, 2021, Art Gallery of York University. Photo by Yuula Benivolski

Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective Book on Tour

Upcoming! The New York Wetrospective launch party will be on Monday, December 9 from 5-7pm at The Hemispheric Institute, 20 Cooper Square, NYC. Wheelchair accessible. Co-presented by Franklin Furnace and Hemispheric Encounters. The event is free but registration is required.

Montreal, Vancouver, Chicago, London UK, and other destinations will be announced soon. Check here for updates.

About the Book

Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective: Constellating performance archives celebrates the first-ever retrospective exhibition of performance art icon Jess Dobkin. The book reflects on the internationally acclaimed artist’s playful and provocative practice as a performer, curator, and community activist, and asks: How do archives perform? With contributions by more than twenty renowned performance scholars, archivists, and creative collaborators, and a riot of full-colour photographs, Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective provides unparalleled access to Dobkin’s artistic process and production from the last thirty years. Edited by Laura Levin and designed by Lisa Kiss Design. (Intellect Books and AGYU, 2024)

Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective: Constellating performance archives is available to purchase in Canada from The Goldfarb Gallery and Art Metropole, in the US from University of Chicago Press, and in the UK and Europe from Intellect Books.

Contact
jessdobkin.com
jess@jessdobkin.com
Facebook @dobkin.jess
Instagram @jess_dobkin

Image descriptions:
1. A labia-shaped mirror ball is suspended from the ceiling by thick steel chain. It is tented by rich pink parachute fabric creating an image suggestive of a circus tent or blossoming flower.
2. Black and white photograph of two queer women side by side behind a large DJ console. DJ on the left smiles widely with eyes closed and wears a Cherry Bomb Toronto t-shirt. DJ on the right has arms crossed, mouth wide open. Both are in their element and in the groove.
3. Installation view from Gallery 1 of Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective exhibition at the AGYU. The room is glowing pink with displays of large set pieces, props and ephemera from Jess’ past performances.