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When it comes to contemporary art, the intersection of queerness and Chinese photography isn't your typical subject matter. Yet, at Eli Klein Gallery, a captivating collection of artworks challenges traditional norms and perceptions. "Queerness as a possibility, embracing the imaginative even when the status quo might otherwise be limiting," as the exhibition text notes, takes center stage.
Among the intriguing works on display, Alec Dai's "My Jet Black Hair" (2021) and "Pot Fisting" (2021) immediately catch the eye. In the former, two figures, their gender indeterminate, seem to entwine their black hair, creating a sense of intimacy that defies easy definition. The latter, "Pot Fisting," presents a striking juxtaposition as an arm with a snake tattoo explores the interior of a blue and white porcelain teapot.
This sense of possibility and defiance of norms is also vividly portrayed in Yang Bowei's "Caged Butterflies" (2017) and "Symbolistic Father" (2017). The black and white image of insects in clear containers invites contemplation, while the adjacent artwork shows a figure resting on what appears to be a bed, evoking a sense of vulnerability.
But it's not just the subject matter that challenges conventions. Tommy Kha's "Article I" (2022–23) takes a unique approach to display, with objects arranged on fleece that folds at a 90-degree angle against the floor. Kha's "Stops (III), Oneonta, NY" (2020) features hands reaching out from the ground in an unexpected orientation, further subverting expectations.
The exploration of the body, a significant aspect of queer identity, is also a recurring theme. Pixy Liao's "Long Sausage" (2016) presents an intimate moment between two figures, while Shen Wei's "Daisies" (2022) and "Bonsai" (2023) offer contrasting depictions of nude figures in natural settings.
Perhaps the most thought-provoking juxtaposition in the exhibition is Kanthy Peng's "Artificial Tear" (2019) alongside "A Rino Labeled Gay #4" (2023). These works invite reflection on the fluidity of identity and the labels we attach to ourselves and others.
Throughout the show, queerness is not defined but questioned, challenging preconceptions and notions of direction. If straightness implies a clear path, queerness suggests a journey with infinite possibilities.
Don't miss the chance to explore "(In)directions: Queerness in Chinese Contemporary Photography" at Eli Klein Gallery before the end of the month. It's a unique and thought-provoking exhibition that celebrates the diverse expressions of queerness in contemporary art.