The exhibition “Love is Resistance,” which explores the concept of love as a radical act, fittingly opened on Valentine’s Day last month at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Transformer Station in Hingetown.

Curated by Cleveland Institute of Art College of Art + Design (CIA) faculty and CIA Reinberger Gallery staff, the exhibit showcases the work of CIA students, faculty, and alumni and features their responses to CMA works that connect with the concept of resistance from an art historical perspective.

The theme is meant “for artists to draw connections with the artists who came before them who have lived throughout points of injustice, war, and civil unrest,” explains Nikki Woods, Reinberger Gallery director. “Artists are truth-tellers who reflect the times in which they live. Through this reflection, we can begin to feel less isolated by the struggles we experience in our present world.”

“Love is Resistance,” which runs through Sunday, April 6, explores the concept of love as a radical act—one that centers passion, care, knowledge, and community as creative tools to challenge oppressive systems rooted in hate, fear, division, and unjust ideologies.

The exhibition calls for building a better world by understanding past histories and approaching one another with persistent care in the face of uncertain futures. 

The opening featured live musical performances from regional artists, which amplified the exhibition’s themes.

Cleveland photographer and CIA class of 2019 alumnus Leah Trznadel documented the exhibit opening for CIA and shared them with FreshWater Cleveland.

“Love is Resistance” opened the Transformer Station’s 2025 schedule.

“Love is Resistance” runs through Sunday, April 6 at the Transformer Station, 1460 W 29th St., 44113. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free.