Morgan Hardigree ‘25 recently hosted an art show titled “Centipede Circling the Sun.” In her artist’s statement, Morgan explained how the inspiration for her work came from a poem she wrote on a whim three years ago. It reads:
I wonder if
A centipede crawled up-air and circled the Sun,
Would that star’s light escape after
Those legs encapsulated it?
Morgan found inspiration and connection within the centipede. She explained that her affinity for centipedes comes alongside their multifaceted nature and their perception within society. For many people, the sight of a centipede provokes fear and revulsion, but for others, there is beauty and complexity to be found in their existence. This notion parallels Morgan’s experience as a trans woman, and her art serves as a testament to the beauty and resilience she found by embracing her identity.
Additionally, in the same way the centipede finds power, life, and contentment in repeated actions of circling the sun, Morgan’s hobby of collecting has been a similar source of fulfillment and empowerment. She views her art-making as a collection process, and this idea was skillfully and passionately reflected in her pieces. Her work in the show took the forms of jewelry and large-scale colored pencil drawings that included a vast array of colors and collectibles. Morgan used things like old watches, chain-link fences, ribbons, beads, screws, and circuit boards to create dynamic and intricate pieces that indubitably represent her history, identity, and character.
One highlight of the show, titled Setback Starlight: Baby I Still Got It, was inspired by a deeply personal moment in Morgan’s life. After losing a scholarship she had poured her heart into earning, she took a walk to clear her mind, took pictures of things that inspired her, and created this piece to prove to herself that, no matter the setbacks, baby, she’s still got it. Another standout piece was titled Rainy Day But Clouds are Clearing. This was the oldest piece in the show. She completed this work in Drawing 1. It features a colorful cloudscape that incorporates depictions of butterfly wings and free-floating embryos on fire.
It appeared the clouds were clearing so pieces like The Journey, The Quilt and The Coronation, The Channeler could come to fruition. These pieces specifically showcase Morgan’s development as an artist and a human. The former depicts Morgan in the front of the frame, and it represents how Morgan found connections to her art and womanhood within her family: her grandmother, who often made quilts in her spare time, inspired the colored pencil quilt that drapes along the background of her piece. The quilt (and the entire piece) is “stitched” with Morgan’s memories and experiences that reflect her identity, and it also symbolizes the artistic bridge she has to the women in her family who came before her. The Coronation, The Channeler is a continuation of The Journey, The Quilt. In it, Morgan depicts herself as someone who has been through war. She is holding a sword and wearing a crown, representing herself on the cusp of accepting her own power. The sword’s end is intentionally placed in front of the sun as it shows Morgan tapping into the light in the sky, something she otherwise could not have achieved without the experiences she endured or depicted. Morgan also shared that these two pieces are part of a larger series, and the third is currently in progress. For the next one, Morgan wants to portray herself as someone who is no longer languishing but as someone who is enjoying the fruits of her labor. She wants to manifest a time of peace as a sustained effort in the work to come.
Morgan’s show was much more than a collection of pieces. She showcased her journey, her identity, and her resilience along the path to finding herself. While her work was based on her own experiences, the themes she portrayed were universally applicable: she invited viewers to reflect on their own struggles, triumphs, growth, and self-discovery. As I walked through the exhibit, I could feel the weight of the stories she told and the feelings of hope that were embedded in her work. She proved there is power, beauty, and strength in embracing parts of ourselves that society often misunderstands. As Morgan’s friend, I am immensely proud of her and the hours and hours of work she put in to make this show possible. Her mind and artistic vision are unlike anyone else I have ever met, and the courage and vulnerability found in her art are nothing short of admirable. I feel privileged that I have witnessed her growth, and I am confident that this show was only the beginning of the incredible things Morgan Hardigree will achieve.
Check out more of Morgan’s art on Instagram at @morg.space or on her website https://morganhardigree.com/
