Since opening the Red 225 gallery in February 2023, two of the questions that I’m most frequently asked are, “Are you an artist?” to which I reply, “No, not really,” which then elicits the follow-up question, “You mean, you do all of this just because you like art?” For some reason, the premise of a curator can confuse people. Why would one want to dedicate hours of their life in support of sharing another’s creative work? In the following interview with curator Brooke Hailey, such puzzle is unpacked. The sole proprietor of Femme Gallery located in Germantown’s 100 Taylor Arts Market, Hailey is an art historian and curator who has been working in the exhibitions field for years. Their latest projects are dedicated to expanding conversations that concern topics of gender and sexual identity, particularly as it pertains to social injustice faced by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Hailey is unafraid to seek and share work that is provocative, a practice that is necessary if public discourse surrounding sexuality is to evolve.
What is your earliest memory of your burgeoning interest in art?
I’ve always been a creative person, but I gained a passion for art in Art History classes in high school. I then continued to study throughout undergrad and then decided when I graduated at 20 to continue to pursue my interest in art in graduate school. I then was studying and working at the Whitechapel Gallery and took volunteer positions at various other galleries. That is when I felt really confident that my interest in art would be my passion.
How have you witnessed this early interest reveal itself in your work as a curator?
Regarding my early interest, I think my curiosity really comes out in my role as a curator. I am interested in learning about anything and everything, and that along with my ability to keep pushing forward really makes my work.
What motivated and/or inspired you to open Femme Gallery?
It was a combination of a hospital stay where I discovered I have a chronic illness and lack of opportunities for curators in Nashville. I wanted to curate and I wasn’t going to wait for a position to pop up, so I decided to create my own opportunities for myself and other artists.
“I wanted to curate and I wasn’t going to wait for a position to pop up, so I decided to create my own opportunities for myself and other artists.”
What artists have you shown at Femme?
Bridget Bailey
Rae Yo Young
Courtney Adair Johnson
Kirby Miles
Emily April Allen
Ali El-Chaer
How do you select what artists/artwork to exhibit?
I select artists based on a few factors. The work is obviously an important part. I am drawn to work that really embodies the artist. I also think, “does the piece spark curiosity?”. I want to be drawn into the piece and want to know everything about the background and story and even the process of creation. It’s more of a feeling I get when I look at a piece. I also use my art historian background to really process concepts that pieces discuss and its place in the art historical context is important too.
Has the southeastern US, and specifically the city of Nashville, had any particular impact on your curatorial practice? Why or why not?
I would say yes. I grew up in the South so the South is a really important place for me. Being able to curate exhibitions with art by Southern queer artists is really important. Trans rights are being taken away in the South, specifically Tennessee, and it's my job to show art by trans people.
You’ve mentioned that you have a graduate degree in Art History and studied overseas. How does such experience inform your curatorial practice?
I have an MA in History of Art from University College London in England. I was able to be thrown into such a big art scene with so many different subcultures that I really got to explore what art can be and the various ways it can be shown. All I did during that time was work in a gallery, write and go to exhibitions. Being in that art scene really gave me the fire to keep pushing and keep working.
What, if any, aspects of the European art world would you like to see unfold in Nashville? What insights or realizations, if any, do you hope your viewers will understand when they visit the exhibitions at Femme?
I would love for Nashville to have more spaces for creation. I have so many art, exhibition, and party ideas and I wish finding spaces to host those things was easier. My biggest stressor as a curator is space.
“I would love for Nashville to have more spaces for creation... My biggest stressor as a curator is space.”
I hope that viewers can understand the idea of an experimental curatorial space. In this city and economy, experimental spaces should be embraced. I always see the coolest art and curation in experimental curatorial spaces. I would also like viewers to understand how supporting artists is for everyone. Buying art is cool.
On the flip side, what are some aspects of Femme’s exhibitions that may not be evident to your audience based solely on its surface/appearance?
I think the biggest one is that FEMME is a one person show. I run every single aspect of FEMME by myself. I’m thankful I get to collaborate with artists, it gives me my sanity. For people that are looking to know more about FEMME, FEMME is a fine art curatorial space that hosts contemporary art. FEMME will continue to host artists that are pushing boundaries and navigating hot topics.
Femme is an unconventional gallery space. How did you acquire it?
I received a grant from Robert Jones with Overton Arts which is located in the 100 Taylor Arts Collective. This grant has given me a public space to show art and throw events and even turn FEMME into an LLC. This grant has changed the game for me and I'm so thankful for Robert’s support.
I think of FEMME more as a concept rather than a space because FEMME is not defined by spaces and that has been proven from its creation. I can create FEMME exhibitions anywhere and I think that is what excites me about it.
A lot of people don’t realize the complexities involved with curating. To any hopeful curators who are reading this interview, what is some advice that you can share that you wish someone had shared with you?
If you’re a curator the best advice that I can give is to just keep curating. Networking is extremely important as well so getting yourself out there is important. I took tons of volunteer opportunities to meet people in the art scene.
What are your goals for Femme within the next 12 months?
My biggest goal is to hopefully transition into a new space where I can host events and curate more exhibitions. We will be offering prints soon which is very exciting. I would also like to continue to collect artist interviews for a book I'm working on.
Goals for your life in general?
My main goal is to be able to feel secure and happy with what I'm doing. As long as I am healthy and get to pursue my creative outlets, I'm set.
“My main goal is to be able to feel secure and happy with what I’m doing. As long as I am healthy and get to pursue my creative outlets, I’m set.”
Since we’ve brought up life in general, what’s your favorite food and drink?
Curries or any type of noodle. I love kombucha. And when I say kombucha I mean making it on my own with different plants from a farm. Stinging nettle Kombucha with a hint of floral-- THAT is my favorite drink.
Band(s) and/or record(s)?
I’m a huge house music fan. Kim Petras, Sophie, Bored Lord. “Raingurl” by Yaeji is my track of the moment.
Movie(s)?
Juliet of the Spirits is my all time favorite movie. The score combined with the incredible visuals makes it a masterpiece.
Hang spot(s)?
Lipstick lounge. Any spot that is playing house music.
Weekend activity(ies)?
Dancing, going for walks with friends, gardening, mixing music.
Money’s not a factor, you will burn no social bridges, and you’re guaranteed a comfortable lifestyle no matter what—where would you live, and what would you do?
I would have a home base in Nashville and travel a lot for work. I would continue to run FEMME and curate independently internationally.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
Support trans lives. Donate to local trans-lead organizations or send money to trans people directly.
Hailey’s Femme Gallery is located in the 100 Taylor Arts Market in Germantown, Nashville. You can also follow the gallery’s Instagram account @FemmeArtGallery.
