Swiitchbeauty
Mixed media
18,5 cm x 50 cm x 1,5 cm
Artist’s Statement
This artwork’s intention is to create awareness and pride for a marginalised community.Focusing on queer people and their place within society, I became aware of queer spaces and what those spaces meant to the queer community. These are spaces where marginalised people could come together, be themselves, and be free from societal pressures. Drag shows were often a signifier of these spaces, makeup being a key factor in their transformation. This inspired me to use makeup as my medium of choice. I used my sister’s old makeup tray and replaced the makeup with portraits of some of the gay men that I know. Using makeup itself to depict men, adds a sense of pride in the reclaiming of an identity in society that is often regarded as shameful.
The altering of the wording in the text of the old make up tray and under the portraits speak to the playful nature of the queer community and build on the sense of pride and beauty in the authentic self I want to capture in this piece. The intent of the mirror is to allow the viewer to reflect on their own identity and place within society.
In Gqeberha, there aren’t any well-known dedicated safe queer spaces, making it challenging to connect with other people within the community. I intended to critique this by having each portrait in their dedicated space. A people together but separated. To remind the viewer to be happy with their authentic self.
Gallery
Click on image to enlarge
