Elliot Gale

December 6, 2022
Queer Identity As Mythological and Religious Imagery

Mythological and religious imagery has historically excluded those who do not identify with heterosexuality and cisgenderism. My project will use visual art and typography to explore how queer and trans identities can fit into ancient and religious imagery. I intend to create a series of paintings inspired by famous historical pieces such as Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam and The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck. Though these pieces will remain recognizable as their originals, I will take them further by adding drastic color, stylistic, and textural choices that evoke a narrative that illustrates, celebrates, and cements queer and trans identity in a religious or mythological context. In addition, I will explore how typography and poetry can intersect with these images as well as bring in aspects of collage and using found materials.

My research methods will include seeking out information on religion and mythology and how they cross paths with queer theory. This may range from general documents about religion (the Bible, books about ancient Greek mythology, documentaries about historical events involving religion) to sources geared more towards queerness and topics such as religious trauma. In addition to finding pre-existing sources, I may consider running an online survey to obtain more perspectives. In the past I have taken art history courses that will help in my research; Queer and Now (AH399), taught by Jesse Kahn, opened my eyes to the world of queer art. I learned so much about what defines queerness in art and how art that has long been perceived as non-queer can actually contain those definitions. From that course, I have held onto the names of dozens of artists, texts, and subjects that I can revisit in my research.

Furthermore, I have my own personal experience as a queer transmasculine person to work from. It has been nearly five years since I came out as transgender and in that time I have learned a lot about what it means to never see yourself represented in the world, especially within a religious context. Many say that I should be quieter or more shameful, but I choose to cherish and embrace the divinity within my identity. This is ultimately the emotional aspect I want to embody in my project. Upon viewing my project, I want my audience to recognize elements of the original pieces but simultaneously find new beauty within my work. I want to open a dialogue about celebrating queerness and transness rather than treating it as something to overcome or fear.