Based on the acclaimed autobiographical graphic novel of the same name, PAYING FOR IT depicts the breakdown of renowned Canadian underground cartoonist Chester Brown’s (Ed the Happy Clown, Louis Riel, Yummy Fur) last traditional relationship with Sook-Yin Lee, who coincidentally also directed this film adaption.
As their relationship falls apart after a dissatisfying attempt to open it by Sook-Yin, Chester abandons all pretense and begins a life divorced from romantic relationships, choosing instead to exclusively patronize sex workers going forward.
Paying For It is essential viewing for fans of underground comics and independent cinema, showing how an unconventional adaptation of an already unconventional work can end up as a very compelling picture that displays the nuances of the human condition and asks you to question the status quo.
Cicada is pleased to present this indie gem at Backspace Gallery next Thursday at 7pm!
Thursday, March 26th
at Backspace Gallery (112 W 6th St)
🎟️$8 | All Ages
Showtime: 7pm
Did you know that anything well almost anything you can dream up , teach a class on, have a workshop for , drink coffee and talk about, play music and dance about , watch a film maybe, have a birthday party, bring your book club….all of this to say I’m booking one of the most affordable spaces in Bloomington Indiana . It’s @backspacebloomington and it’s at 112 West 6th Street. Book it and you’ll receive two rooms , bring any food you want. Host a pop up . Rent it for a weekend .
EXHIBITION CLOSING RECEPTION: Thursday, February 26, 2026—5–8 p.m., Backspace Gallery, 112 W. 6th St., Bloomington, IN 47404.
In 2015, my mother-in-law, Carolyn Bates, was diagnosed with leukemia and kidney cancer. More than a year later, after months of chemotherapy and blood and plasma infusions, she was told by her doctor in January 2017 that nothing more could be done, and she was enrolled in in-home hospice care.
Her two daughters wanted to do something special for her birthday, which was in May. Carolyn wanted a slumber party with all her family and friends—a celebration of life while she was alive to appreciate it.
Knowing it wasn’t likely she would live until her birthday, they scheduled the party for the last weekend in February. Friends and family began visiting the weekend before, culminating in a slumber party with karaoke, games, art, prayer, fellowship, and more. At the end of the weekend, she drifted into unconsciousness and died just before midnight on Sunday, February 26, 2017.
This exhibition unfolds chronologically, with 34 photographs from her birthday celebration and the months that followed, including three written-word elements and a video clip related to Carolyn and the final days of her life.
“Ain’t No Sunshine …” reflects on the impact one person has on a community of family and friends, the joy of love, the reality and permanence of death, and the ongoing process of grief.
For me, Pixie, art has always been the universal language . I remember being a kid walking in galleries and feeling , crying, learning, and lucky to have gotten to see the show. This exhibition unfolds chronologically , with 34 photos , three written word elements and audio recordings of Carolyn Bates, @rodneymargisonphotography ‘s mother in law. “Ain’t No Sunshine “ reflects on the impact one person has on community . We all grieve when folks in our community are hurting. Thank you @bloomingtonartscommission for making this exhibition possible.
SUNDAY 7pm at Backspace Gallery- COMPENSATION (1999)
A landmark of independent cinema, Compensation is Zeinabu irene Davis’s moving, ambitious portrait of the struggles of Deaf African Americans and the complexities of loving relationships at the bookends of the twentieth century. In extraordinary dual performances, Michelle A. Banks and John Earl Jelks play Malindy and Arthur, a couple in 1910 Chicago, as well as Malaika and Nico, a couple living in the same city almost eighty years later. Their stories are deftly interwoven through the creative use of archival photography, an original score featuring ragtime and African percussion, and an editing style both lyrical and tender.
Sunday, February 22
Backspace Gallery (112 W. 6th St.)
Showtime: 7PM
$8 | All Ages
Part of Cicada Black History Month series in collaboration with @black_film_center_archive
Celebrate Black History Month with Cicada Cinema and these two classic Black films!
CLEOPATRA JONES (1973)
Thursday, February 12, 8pm
The Back Door
207 S College Ave
$8 | 21+
International supermodel by day, super fly secret agent by night, CLEOPATRA JONES is all woman, a fast-footed fashion icon unafraid of kicking a little ass to clean up her community. She packs heat, drives fast cars, and is ready to kung fu her way through the villainous machinations of Mommy, leader of an underground drug ring poisoning Cleo’s neighborhood. Don’t miss your chance to see this exciting, iconic celebration of Black feminism in action!
Sponsored by IU’s Black Film Center & Archive, and featuring a special introduction to the film by BFCA Director Novotny Lawrence!
—
COMPENSATION (1999)
Sunday, February 22, 7pm
Backspace Gallery
112 W 6th St
$8 | All Ages
A landmark of independent cinema, COMPENSATION is Zeinabu Irene Davis’s moving, ambitious portrait of the struggles of Deaf African Americans and the complexities of loving relationships at the bookends of the twentieth century.
Tickets for both films are available now on our website! Just follow the link in our bio 🎟👊🏿
