"Is Fat Phat?" exhibit at City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport
The show brings together artists responding to two words that sound the same, look different, and hold powerful social and cultural meaning.
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Is Fat Phat? That question is at the heart of a new exhibit at City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport.
The show brings together artists responding to two words that sound the same, look different and carry powerful social and cultural meaning.
The exhibit centers on body positivity — challenging how we see ourselves and how we think others see us.
City Lights Gallery Executive Director Suzanne Kachmar says, “We have a really beautiful and diverse show. The fact that they’re big is just who they are — and they’re beautiful, inside and out.”
Many local artists contributed works that explore both sides of the words “fat” and “phat” — and how they show up in culture, language and community.
Artist and Co-Curator, Claude Desir explains, “PHAT actually stands for multiple words — P-H-A-T.”
The term emerged from hip-hop culture in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
“It was slang — being thick, as it’s called, was seen as attractive. Pretty. Hot. And. Tempting.”
The exhibit also asks viewers to reflect on their own self-image.
Desir hopes the show helps people who are insecure with their own bodies. “I hope people see something that makes them feel good about themselves.”
Kachmar adds, “Throughout the ages, people have asked, ‘What is beauty?’ This is just one more aspect. Beautiful is beautiful.”
