Brooke Hoffert is a curator and writer based in Nashville, Tennessee specializing in LGBTQ+ visual and performing arts. They hold a master’s degree in History of Art from University College London located in London, England. Inspired and intrigued by the depths of queerness, they explore themes of love, utopianism, trauma, and queer identity through writings and exhibitions. They started FEMME in 2022 to explore the vast community of queer artists in the United States South. They are a contributing writer for Floorr Magazine, an artist-run, London-based publication spotlighting emerging and established creatives. Their curatorial practice goal is to create a space where inclusivity, connectivity, and thought-provoking art can thrive.
Hi Brooke! Can you start by telling me a little bit about yourself?
I am an independent curator and writer based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Being a queer non-binary femme person I wanted my work to reflect that, which is why I have been working on my project called FEMME where I curate exhibitions that focus on work by queer artists. I am a board member and contributor for Number, the premier art magazine of the south for over 36 years.
In my free time, I enjoy chilling with my dog Ollie Bernard, using a hot glue gun for some sort of craft, or hanging out at the local lesbian bar. I’m an Aries who has many passions and art is one of them.
How would you describe yourself as an artist and why do you do what you do?
Curating is my art. I love creating opportunities for artists and celebrating the community. I do what I do because I care about artists and want to make art more accessible. I also think it's just so much fun to work with artists and get more people involved in the art scene. Collaboration makes me happy and it comes with the job.
Tell me about your favourite medium to work with.
I love working with installation work and have recently been obsessing over painting and sculpture. I always have multiple projects that I am working on so I have plans to showcase work in every medium!
How did you first get into the creative scene in London?
In 2016, I studied history at Queen Mary University of London for a semester and that is where my interest in art really expanded. I then moved back in 2017 to pursue a Master's Degree in History of Art at University College London (UCL). I started my career with an internship at Whitechapel Gallery where I worked under Iwona Blazwick. During that time I also took a lot of volunteer positions at places such as Tate Modern and Bow Arts Trust. I was able to give myself a foundational understanding of the inner workings of galleries and museums which allowed me to dive right into work when I moved back to Nashville after my visa ended.
Top five favourite artists of the moment.
Rae Yo Young - @raeyoyoung
Kudzanai-Violet Hwami - @mwana.wevhu
Ali El-Chaer - @alielchaer_
Olivia Tawzer - @oliviatawzer.art
Amy Bravo - @ _amybravo_
Could you describe the art scene in Tennessee? And, what differences are clearest to you in comparison to London?
The size of the art scene is smaller! Nashville’s art scene is run by artist collectives, artists themselves, and the DIY scene. The exciting thing about Nashville is there is room to create something which inspires me to keep on working toward my goals. I have some great creatives I consider mentors here like Lain York and Clarence Edward who are always working towards creating that flourishing art scene.
You started Femme in 2022 to explore the vast community of queer artists in the United States south, how is the project coming along?
The project is going great! After a year of showing exhibitions out of my spare bedroom in my apartment, we opened up a second public location at the 100 Taylor Artists Collective in Nashville. We just had our first opening for our current exhibition Seen: A Celebration of Nashville Queer Community through Portraiture with works by Emily April Allen, @emdashphotos. We have over half of the year booked out so far which is very exciting. I can’t wait to show everyone new exhibitions in the new public experimental curatorial space.
How does both your queerness and the LGBTQ+ community inspire you creatively?
The LGBTQ+ community inspires me every day. I am constantly inspired and filled with joy by seeing other queer creatives dive into their passions. That is what keeps me going.
Regarding my own queerness, it is something that is ever expanding and my connection to myself grows every day which inspires me to pursue what gives me that fire and excitement, and drive. Art gives me the visual means to explore my queerness. I learn a lot about my queerness through the work that I curate.
What are the next projects for you and Femme Gallery?
FEMME will continue to show exhibitions either monthly or bi-monthly. We will also continue to spotlight queer artists on our Instagram and post interviews on our website. I’m slowly compiling interviews with queer artists with the hope to turn them into a book. In June, we are working with an arts non-profit and curating a queer salon.
I have a couple of other projects that I am working on and hoping they come to fruition. And I’m always on the hunt for new spaces where I can show curated exhibitions. But most importantly since it's still winter I’ll be resting and focusing on my mental health.
