“National Anthem” By Luke Gilford
Exhibition On View: July 14 – August 28, 2022
SN37 Gallery: 204 Front St, New York, NY 10038

SN37 bestows filmmaker and photographer Luke Gilford‘s first solo exhibition, “National Anthem,” at their non-profit multifaceted gallery space in New York City. The influential artist is renowned for his delightful storytelling ability across multiple mediums and his depiction of stunning imagery with a unique narrative vision. Gilford’s diverse collection of pieces expands over multiple years spent documenting the various distinct subcultures within the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), the organizing body for the LGBTQ+ cowboy and cowgirl communities in North America. The focal point of “National Anthem” aims to recognize and highlight thriving queer communities in rural areas around the United States and the deep kinship therein.

“One of the great powers of the queer rodeo is its ability to disrupt America’s tribal dichotomies that cannot contain who we really are—liberal versus conservative, urban versus rural, “coastal elite” versus “middle America,” Gilford notes. “I’m honored to share this work on such a large scale in New York City and to celebrate the beauty of this community and what it represents. I’m looking forward to connecting with others who have come to the city from rural places and to hopefully inspire anyone wanting to extend their experiences to include more nature and community in safe spaces.”

Printed at an extraordinary scale, the profound characters in “National Anthem” demand to be confronted and, in doing so, refuse the invisibility that neglect and dismissal too often cast upon them. Evoking from his time spent with the members of the IGRA and their neighbors, Gilford found himself appeased by the unexpected open-mindedness he witnessed, which he has described as “the electric charge of belonging.”

Through his observations, Gilford translates this through his current exhibition, hoping to spark an interconnectedness among members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Especially those who vacated their hometowns in search of a more welcoming environment, he seeks to construct an essence of communal love and care that he finds so evident in the city.

Accompanying this presentation of images is the reprinted limited edition run of Gilford’s popular 2020 National Anthem monograph, available at the gallery. SN37 has made an intentional decision to donate the proceeds of each exhibition to the organization of the artists’ choosing; the proceeds from the sale of select work from Gilford’s show will be donated to the International Gay Rodeo Association.

About the International Gay Rodeo Association
The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) is the sole organizing body for the LGBTQ+ rodeo communities in North America—a safe space for all races and gender expressions. The queer rodeo brings in participants from rural regions all over America for structured educational programs and competitions, facilitating opportunities to hone athletic skills, connection and care for animals, personal integrity, self-confidence and support for one another.