As a queer artist with a degree in Studio Arts and Classics, my paintings bring to light the vast range of queer experiences that have always existed throughout human history but have also been largely ignored and underrepresented. Depictions of diversity within ancient culture, history, and mythology have fallen victim to Western cisgender stereotypes that perpetuate discriminatory and exclusionary beliefs. I am changing the narrative by reinterpreting classical imagery and exploring the concept of queerness in the ancient world by applying academic research to thoughtful works of art. Some of my pieces create dissonance by collaging modern and ancient elements. Others are more subtle, where the ease with which they blend together a variety of elements results in a cohesive, cross-cultural, and historical gender-nonconformist narrative. I channel the experiences and identities shared by me and my queer friends into the figures depicted in the paintings. My subjects are reborn, transcending the need for labels and ultimately becoming something that defies categorization.
"Queer History" oil on canvas 36" x 48"
"Throw The Brick" oil on canvas 70" x 35"
"In Plain Sight" oil on canvas 30" x 42"
"Fire in a Storm" oil on canvas 20 x 33"
"Water in a Burning World" oil on canvas 20" x 33"
"Not That Welcoming" oil on canvas 40" x 32"
"I Am Not A Lord: I Am A Lady" oil and gold leaf on board 24 x 24"
"At What Cost" oil on canvas 48" x 72"