Behind VA Shadows Program – Rebel Against the Bad Vibes!

Behind VA Shadows is an artist-run DIY public art project founded by a group of Visitor Assistants at the ICA, Boston. Their initiative aims to break down barriers between art and the public, showcasing the creative work of museum workers while extending accessibility beyond institutional walls. REBEL was the theme of their summer party in 2025 and I had the opportunity to design the program of the event.

Going Off the Walls!

The main theme of the party was REBEL, so I truly wanted to embody that spirit and let myself go loose. The parameters were simple: Use pink and green and include the required information. The rest was up to me. I wanted to show the spirit of the summer where things, people, words, and time feel like they’re melting. The important thing to note was how successfully the program wasn’t designed, but how so many came together to make this show happen. I felt so blessed to be among them.

Additionally, one of the artists who was at the party had the idea of a bug-themed photo booth. I wanted to piggyback off of that idea and made these illustrations to use as stickers. I can’t tell you how much we gave out but there wasn’t any sticker left when the party was over.