A supporting piece for the upcoming Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form exhibition, Call for Cosplay is an exhibit dedicated to displaying cosplay as an artistic form. Call for Cosplay invited two professional cosplayers from the Pacific Northwest to showcase their work in an exhibition space.

Steph Piper's Oscar Jarjayes piece investigates the techniques of gender performance in Anime by utilizing elements from the 90's show, The Rose of Versailles, in creating a cosplay that is both true to story and shows off the artist's various skills. Kitkatwombat's Yukari Hayasaka piece, however, focuses on the materials of storytelling. Built from household items, as well as coincidentally found fabrics, the cosplay boasts a 10ft long train and over 5000 hand-sewn glass beads, a testament to the care and effort fans undertake, which often goes unnoticed. This show places this effort front and center, encouraging viewers to rethink the labor produced in their own fan experiences.

With works by 2 community-oriented cosplayers, the show spotlights talent, DIY, fandom, and how perceptions of being fans differ within communities. The show is accompanied by a curator-led discussion about the role of Cosplay in fan communities and artist interviews.

Artists: Steph Piper, Kitkatwombat