UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES (UCLA)
Natalee Decker (they/them) is a Chicago-born Los Angeles-based artist currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at UCLA in Design|Media Arts and Disability Studies. Via a multidisciplinary practice, they investigate disability aesthetics, technology, and crip fantasy. Their recent work utilizes 3D computer graphics to creatively reimagine the mobility devices — walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, canes — they use each day, imbuing them with fluid impractical form, vivid celebratory color, and questions about desirability. Along with artist Cielo Saucedo, they are creating a web archive of digital disabled embodiment using motion capture and 3D modeling software. This project relies on collaboration to create custom “terms of use,” challenging issues of safety, exclusion, and exploitation of disabled people in digital space. In 2020, Natalee helped start the UCLA Disabled Student Union working towards better equity and access on campus. They are passionate about mutual aid, social justice, and love. Natalee is a white, non-binary, disabled queer.
IF THERE WERE NO BARRIERS AND CONSTRAINTS, WHAT PROJECT WOULD YOU WANT TO WORK ON?
I would create a paid artist residency program for disabled creators/ designers which radically promotes accessibility and care.
WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?
Reading: Beasts of Burden by Sunaura Taylor, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Captivating Technology: Race Carceral Technoscience, and Liberatory Imgination in Everyday Life an anthology edited by Ruha Benjamin, Animacies by Mel Y. Chen, and A Prehistory of the Cloud by Tung-Hui Hu. Listening: Dinamarca, Terry Callier, Zsela, Hyd, Sade, serpentwithfeet, Swamp Dogg, Mandalay, Bjork, Elliot Smith, Ojerime, Holly Herndon, Omar S, Mr. Fingers, Kim Jung Mi. Watching: Station 11, Foundation, Great British Baking Show, Love Island, Fargo, Democracy Now!.
