the art of

The Nuances of Queer Identity
March 27th - April 2nd 2024
Undergraduate BFA Solo Exhibition
Lexington, Kentucky
Exhibition Statement
As a queer non-binary artist, my self-portraits explore the complex emotions of euphoria and dysphoria. I use painting to express the feelings of being non-binary – the tensions between being both disconnected and deeply rooted in my identity. These feelings are depicted by large brushstrokes, color variation, and uncompleted forms. My process consists of splashing, dripping, and attacking the canvas with color. Dysphoria is combined with chaos, and these emotions are depicted through large body motions of applying paint. This process is also repeated within my fiber works. By calling attention to the physical and emotional difficulties of living in a queer body, I hope to create a space for dialogue and understanding. My artwork acknowledges the difficulty of navigating the world as a gender-nonconforming person, while also celebrating the beauty of being queer. Through my work, I hope to show how my gender expression is both a source of dysphoria and a source of strength and euphoria. I also strive to reflect the power of personal relationships, whether it is through the presence of a loved one or a supportive community, I want to capture the moments of joy and courage that are found in the embrace of solidarity. In these works, my process is more detail-oriented and carefully rendered, in contrast to my self-portraits that are very disrupted. These two emotions play a large role in my identity and are shown throughout my works.