Queer Paranormal (an exhibition concerning Shirley Jackson and “The Haunting of Hill House”)

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | Queer Paranormal presents a range of artistic practices “haunted” by historical, political and sexual difference. Taking Jackson’s gothic horror classic and its 1963 film version as jumping-off points, the group exhibition identifies queerness in themes including the uncanny and the stranger, with a particular interest in the haunted house as undiscovered country and object of desire. Site-specifically located in North Bennington, where Jackson wrote The Haunting of Hill House as well as her short story "The Lottery," Queer Paranormal will install works in mediums including painting, sculpture, video, sound and performance in Bennington College’s Usdan Gallery and also Jennings music building—a former mansion believed to be haunted and said to have partly influenced Jackson’s conception of Hill House. 

Queer Paranormal events include a Halloween (Thursday, October 31) screening of the 1963 film version of The Haunting, a November 5 lecture by feminist film theorist Patricia White, and a November 19 screening and lecture by artists Peggy Ahwesh and Susan MacWilliam.

Curated by the New York-based group Two Chairs (Jillian Brodie, Cindy Smith and Rachel Stevens) and Anne Thompson, Director and Curator of Usdan Gallery. Special thanks to Two Chairs members Yinan Cheng, E.H. Dalton and George Wichelns.

Photo: Peggy Ahwesh, still image from “Nocturne” (1998)