Despite the icy chill outside, the atmosphere inside the temporary annex of Daniel Cooney Fine Art gallery in Chelsea was warm and inviting last Friday night. Laughter, tears, and hope reverberated off the watercolor-filled walls as a varied crowd gathered to watch Love, Jamie, a documentary short about the life and artwork of Jamie Diaz, a trans artist incarcerated in Texas.
Co-hosted by Them in partnership with the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, Daniel Cooney Fine Art, and filmmakers Karla Murthy and Andrew Fredericks, the night featured a screening of the award-winning film, a Q&A facilitated by Them editor-in-chief Sarah Burke, and even a pre-recorded message from Diaz herself. Love, Jamie played projected over a large TV, showcasing the story of how Diaz’s unlikely pen pal relationship with Gabriel Joffe transformed into a life-long friendship that allowed her to share her art with the world. The 15-minute film explores the importance of queer connection and hope in spite of the institutions that seek to destroy it.
Following the tear-jerking short and pre-recorded interview with Diaz, Joffe, executive producer Zackary Drucker, director Karla Murthy, and Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art executive director Alyssa Nitchun answered questions from Burke and the audience about the film and the importance queer art. After a haunting performance from Andrew Yee, a Grammy-winning cellist and the film’s composer, guests were invited to write messages to Diaz, experience her vibrant artwork hung up around the gallery, and socialize over beer, fresh juices, and delicious guacamole generously provided by Tacombi. See photos of the night by Carmen DeCristo below.
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