mighty real/queer detroit at hatch art
I’ll Be Your Mirror: Reflections of the Contemporary Queer
“Now in its second iteration, this biennial exhibition, produced by Mighty Real/Queer Detroit, explores the mirroring relationship between art and self as well as art and communities. The exhibition highlights the role of art in achieving personal visibility and social connection.
Art reveals who we are. And the mirroring power of art is key to creating positive and meaningful representations of LGBTQ+ folk. I’ll Be Your Mirror: Reflections of the Contemporary Queer examines timeless issues, which are especially relevant in the current political atmosphere when the freedom to express visibility is under mounting assault.”
O’Brien’s remarkable drawing skills are deployed in this non-traditional self-portrait. Darkly polished fingernails and peek at a wrist tattoo provide clues to the person who conjures and pulls at invisible strings.
Nawrocki’s narrative is more straight—ha—forward depicted with thick paint and loose brushstrokes, folds in fabric and skin treated with the same care. The gender of either lover isn’t clearly apparent allowing the viewer to superimpose their personal predilections into the scene.
Tut bends the mirrored theme into this couple’s pretzeled configuration. Drawing elements provide some texture and energy to an otherwise cool, smooth surface.
A word that lists among those no longer spoken in polite company, executed in what has traditionally been a female enterprise in gender assigned pink, gently yet definitively confronts the viewer. The word’s power is diffused by facing and embracing it.
As Detroit continues to exercise its innovative, pioneering spirit, Mighty Real/Queer Detroit has quickly become the premier LGBTQ+ art exhibition (in the US. Check out the Las Fallas Festival in Valencia, Spain). Galleries participating in this year’s presentation enjoyed an influx of out-of-town visitors who traveled specifically for this event. As the quality of the work elevates with each iteration, it reflects the artists’ evolution as makers as well as illustrates their life experiences.
On view through June 30th at Hatch Art 3456 Evaline Hamtramck
Participating artists: Billy Miller, Emilia Nawrocki, Kasper Ray O’Brien, Jeanine Oleson, Matthew Papa, Matthew Pawlowski, Hilla Shapira, James Stephens, Corey Tut, Erika Diamond, Thomas Dozol, Carl Ferrero, Lyle Ashton Harris, Bryan Hoffman, Sahar Khoury, Naama Levitt, Tom Livo, Alicia McCarthy
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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These are fabulous. Thanks for allowing me to see all this virtually!