For the first event in Occidental and OXY ARTS new Oxy Live! series, acclaimed interviewer Paul Holdengräber sat down with writer, artist and non-binary activist ALOK, for a catalytic conversation on poetry, writing, and existence as a creative act.
ALOK is an internationally acclaimed author, poet, comedian and public speaker. As a mixed-media artist their work explores themes of trauma, belonging and the human condition. They are the author of Femme in Public (2017), Beyond the Gender Binary (2020), and Your Wound/My Garden (2021) and the creator of #DeGenderFashion: an initiative to defender fashion and beauty industries. Over the past decade, they have toured in more than 40 countries, most recently selling out their runs at the Soho Theatre in London, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the Kennedy Performing Arts Center. Their show has been described as "provocative and powerful" (Chortle), a "potent combination of comedy and poetry" (The Scotsman)', and a "Jaw-dropping celestial event" (To Do List London).
Oxy Live! is curated by OXY ARTS and funded through the generous support of Occidental trustee and alumna, Lisa Coscine '85.