The amount of talent, vulnerability, and breadth of skill I encountered while looking through this year’s submissions was staggering. The stories being communicated and the full spectrum of imagination I witnessed was overwhelming. The selections for this show speak not only to the theme of confabulation but also reflect where I stand right now as an arts professional living in Washington DC.

This show captures the tension of our current moment—the disorienting political chaos and systematic targeting of historically underrepresented identities and narratives, contrasted with the undeniable power people still wield through their voices and actions. There is darkness and anger, but also profound beauty in this moment of people coming together and still finding meaning in the world around them. There's also considerable absurdity happening right now, which I wanted to reflect as well.

I aimed to devise a show that explores the power of different formats and mediums to express ideas about identity, the environment, and history. Lastly, I want people to remember where we came from, where we are, and what possibilities exist for the future. While it's difficult to maintain hope right now, these artists demonstrate that art has been and will continue to be a vessel for communicating our complex emotions as we try to make sense of what's happening and how to move forward.

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- Ashleigh D. Coren, CONFAB 2025 Juror

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