“BEHIND THE FRONT-SASS STUDIO”; an independent curatorial project by KImberly Sass of SASS STUDIO at Novado Gallery, February 2-11, 2022.

ABOUT:

BEHIND THE FRONT is a thought-provoking, immersive art experience featuring large-scale paintings, installation pieces & video inspired by Sass’ experience as a professional female athlete & highlighting the inequities she and her teammates face while playing professional women’s hockey.

“As female athletes, we often hear the criticism, ‘Just be grateful for the opportunity to play,’ ” Sass said. “I would often question if those critics knew the extent of our opportunity to play. The reality in the locker room was that my teammates would laugh off our negative playing conditions, because the alternative was to cry.”

Sass uniquely juxtaposes the realities of balancing careers in pro hockey and architecture, which stand in stark contrast to the positive images (the “front”) which professional women’s hockey portrays.

Through her show, Sass hopes to spark honest conversations about what it will take to achieve true equity in pro women’s hockey, while fostering public, corporate & private support for and interest in the sport to directly impact female athletes. A percentage of artwork sales through auction and prints will support the Women's Sports Foundation.

After its exhibition in Jersey City, Behind the Front is expected to make stops in Buffalo, NY; Seattle, WA and Los Angeles, CA.

Unique site link to the independent curatorial project: “Behind the Front-Kimberly Sass”: