In the News: Via Hyperallergic, A Poetic Tribute to Ona Judge

Hyperallergic sent writer Isa Farfan to Philadelphia to experience ArtPhilly's What Now: 2026. She came away deeply moved by indira allegra's "Sail Through This to That." The project makes explicit that link between Ona Judge, a seamstress and enslaved woman who styled Martha Washington before making a daring escape to freedom, and Rem'mie Fells, a trans fashion designer whose life and career were tragically curtailed.

The title Sail Through This to That originates from the Lucille Clifton poem “Blessing the Boats” (2000).

While the installation contends with historical and individual tragedy, the artist said they wanted to pose an uplifting question to the public through their installation: “What do you want to spend the next five years loving so completely that it can blossom?”

“It isn’t just about the end product, but how we express loving kindness to everyone along the way, from the security guard at the museum to the delivery person bringing needed tools and materials to make the sails themselves,” allegra told Hyperallergic.

Read the whole story HERE.

Want more on this project, check out an interview with artist indira allegra on WURD radio.

Image via REC Philly