Date: 2018-Ongoing
In partnership with Cincy PHLUSH.

Curator, event coordinator and graphics: Jeni Barton
Gallery partners: Par Projects and Know Theatre of Cincinnati

Abstract

The Sh!t Show, a series of group exhibitions, successfully uses art as a platform for social activism, shedding light on the critical need for accessible public restrooms in Cincinnati. Featuring over 30 regional artists, the exhibitions transform toilet seats into thought-provoking works of art, incorporating diverse materials such as paint, 3D glasses, and digital screens. In addition to contemporary pieces, the show paid homage to local art history with reinterpreted urinals originally exhibited in response to the controversial Maplethorpe show in 1990.

Beyond raising awareness, the exhibition was a catalyst for action, in partnership with Cincy PHLUSH, a local nonprofit advocating for public hygiene solutions. The exhibition’s compelling message resonated with attendees, highlighting the impact of artistic activism in addressing public health, homelessness, and accessibility issues.

Research

The concept for The Sh!t Show was born from a firsthand encounter with the consequences of inaccessible public restrooms. While working for a business improvement district many years ago, I became aware of the human waste left on the streets each night after businesses closed, cutting off restroom access for those experiencing homelessness. This troubling reality stayed with me, fueling a desire to raise awareness and spark action.

Investigating the issue further, I found that cities across the United States face similar challenges, with rising cases of hepatitis directly linked to outdoor human waste. Public restroom access is not just a matter of convenience—it is a human right and public health issue. Historical research also revealed that similar sanitation concerns led to the adoption of essential public services like street cleaning and trash removal. It’s time to recognize public restrooms as a necessary public service.

The Design Process

Creating an Unforgettable Experience

To ensure The Sh!t Show left a lasting impression, the exhibition needed to be as unconventional as the issue it addressed. The concept of using toilet seats as canvases for fine art emerged as a striking metaphor—something we use every day but often take for granted, while for many, access to restrooms remains out of reach.

The exhibition’s branding was intentionally playful and lighthearted, using vibrant graphics to make a show about bathroom access feel welcoming and engaging. Many artists embraced the theme with humorous, pun-filled titles while still tackling the serious implications of restroom inequality.

Curatorial decisions reinforced the exhibition’s impact. Gallery partners were carefully chosen for their history of supporting socially relevant art, and the installation followed the highest curatorial standards, creating an ironic contrast between the often-overlooked issue of restroom access and the exclusivity of high art spaces. The exceptional craftsmanship of the transformed toilet seats further emphasized how public restrooms become exclusive commodities when private businesses are forced to fill this gap.

Finally, the opening reception was designed as an absurd yet elevated experience, a high-end art event with unexpected details. While guests enjoyed traditional gallery fare like wine and cheese, they were also served White Castle sliders and chocolate pudding—subtle nods to the exhibition’s theme, blending humor with a powerful social message.

Outcomes and Future Development

Across three exhibitions, The Sh!t Show welcomed over 400 visitors, each leaving with a deeper understanding of the critical need for accessible public restrooms in urban areas. Several artworks were sold, further supporting the cause, while the exhibitions also generated significant media coverage—bringing attention not only to the issue but also to the advocacy efforts of Cincy PHLUSH.

Future exhibition sites and dates are being considered.

Read more about it here:

https://www.citybeat.com/arts/sh-t-show-art-exhibit-hopes-to-raise-awareness-for-public-restroom-access-in-northside-16673883

https://portlandloo.com/sht-show-art-exhibit-illuminates-urgency-for-improved-public-restroom-access-in-northside/

https://www.fox19.com/2024/01/11/bathrooms-into-art-galleries-unique-exhibit-takes-shape-northside/