Dec 09 2009
The ICP exhibit was . . . an interesting experience. It was unlike any other museum I’ve been to, not only because it consisted entirely of photographs, but because it was held in such an intimate space. Among the beautiful pictures dedicated to African American women and Brazilian fashion, it was Alice O’Malley’s piece that stood out. Her photos were of men and women who blurred traditional gender lines. As a big supporter of the LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, BiSexual, Transgender, Intersexed) community, I thought the idea was beautiful as well as the photography. Deceptively simple, the photos still had so much character. I wish there were more people that understand that genders are fluid creations of societal expectations, and were more open-minded to the sexes crossing gender lines.
What does “intersexed” mean? I thought the common term was LGBT, didn’t know about the “I.” I also don’t remember this piece. I figured you would talk about the European video that Jensen talks about in his post, since you watched that for a long time :D.
I don’t think I got a chance to see the work that you are referring to, but that museum did really open my eyes to the other types of artwork out there that go un-noticed.
I feel that the space of the gallery really added to the effect of each painting just like you said. Furthermore I think that sexes are not creations of societal expectations. Roles of the separate sexes are formed because of societal expectations but a person’s gender is set and a desire to transgress that line is unnatural due to improper chemical reactions in the brain.
I enjoyed my visit there and will definitely go there again some day. I agree with you that more people should understand with an open mind about homosexuality.
It was unique, neither have I ever been to a museum with only photoraphs. Some of them, looked like they were actual paintins and not photos. There were indeed some great pictures dedicated to different ethnic/racial groups and other minorities.