Every year, the University of Washington hosts an artist-in-residence in honor of Jacob Lawrence, a renowned 20th century Black painter and former UW professor. The 2026 Jacob Lawrence Legacy Resident is indira allegra (they/them), a movement artist, weaver, and chaplain. It has been my honor and delight to support indira as a consultant as they have prepared for their exhibit, a multimedia event called The Book of Zero.

The Book of Zero explores how we are all witnessing the violent, avoidant death throes of systems that are now even destroying the people they were created to benefit: white supremacy, patriarchy, racism, sexism, homophobia, bigotry . . . how do we show up as the death workers of this age and together birth something new and useful?

This convening panel draws together the interdisciplinary team that has supported indira’s research, design and creation of this exhibit. Come to engage with the exhibit and be a part of this continuing conversation. Free and open to the public.