preening
2008
This work represents a further exploration into the negotiation between the inner, experienced self, and the outer, observed self, specific to the presentation and embodiment of gender, following on the work "yes/no (live oscillation)", described above. The idea of "preening", in the sense of making oneself presentable through physical manipulation and embellishment, is taken to a grotesque end in this work. These self-portraits, in which the artist wears a synthetic wig, respond to a common trans experience of trying to forcefully, uncomfortably, fit into the gender one was prescribed at birth, or rather into the culturally-sanctioned idea of what that gender represents. The images in this work make visible aspects of the physical and psycho-logical violence experienced and embodied by genderqueer and trans people trying to assimilate into heteronormative culture.
2008
This work represents a further exploration into the negotiation between the inner, experienced self, and the outer, observed self, specific to the presentation and embodiment of gender, following on the work "yes/no (live oscillation)", described above. The idea of "preening", in the sense of making oneself presentable through physical manipulation and embellishment, is taken to a grotesque end in this work. These self-portraits, in which the artist wears a synthetic wig, respond to a common trans experience of trying to forcefully, uncomfortably, fit into the gender one was prescribed at birth, or rather into the culturally-sanctioned idea of what that gender represents. The images in this work make visible aspects of the physical and psycho-logical violence experienced and embodied by genderqueer and trans people trying to assimilate into heteronormative culture.