In an effort to speak out against misrepresentation in the media and society, several transgender and intersex artists are joining forces to provide insight to their dispositions.
Deviant Bodies 2.0 is a collection of works by artists who strive to magnify their own condition rather than hide it. On display at the CEPA Gallery, the exhibition is a sequel to the first Deviant Bodies exhibit, which won Artvoice's Best Art Exhibit of 2004.
During a speech last Thursday, self-proclaimed "social justice slut" Emi Koyama discussed intersex politics and the social movement she has mounted in order to raise awareness.
"The focus of the intersex movement is to show that it is not a disease, that these people are not sick," Koyama said.
The event received a larger-than-expected attendance and extra seating had to be arranged for the small front hall of the CEPA Gallery.
Koyama elucidated the social and political position of intersex people. Referring to the phenomena as a Disorder of Sexual Development, or DSD, is a step in the right direction.
"Calling it a disorder is moving away from the stigmatism," Koyama said.
However, much work needs to be done in order for these folks to be accepted in the context of "normal" gender politics, as well as to eliminate stereotypes and misunderstanding.
"Entering Emi's speech, I only had a vague idea of what 'intersex' means," said Nicole Feliciano, a 21 year-old UB Fine Arts major. "I now know that DSD is a real issue which needs to be addressed in an ethical way by the medical community."
In addition to the speech, the works of several artists were shown on all three levels of the gallery.
Visitors to CEPA will first notice an installation piece by Jaishri Abichandani in the front window. "One Night in New York" is a multimedia display about Muslim drag queens featuring photography, video, light and sound. The piece is exotic and colorfully glamorous, depicting the realization of an elusive fantasy.
A series of photographs by Jana Marcus titled "Transfigurations" lines the front hall in which Koyama spoke. Each of the pictures shows a transgender person along with their personal insights.
The subjects appear in generic poses, wearing work uniforms or dressed casually and nothing seems out of the ordinary. However, the people are burdened by a condition which society requires them to keep concealed. The caption under one photo read, "I am living in that difficult twilight place between male and female."
Some of the art includes elements of humor. Del LaGrace Volcano's photograph, "Bitte and Andy on Bicycle," depicts two people sitting on a bicycle on a sunny day. The male figure wears a messenger cap and the female figure holds a parasol as the two bask in the foreground of a trite, stock landscape.
Linn Underhill, a University at Buffalo alumni, pays homage to the mid-20th century photographer George Platt Lynes with the series "No Man's Land."
Lynes photographed many cultural and literary figures between the 1930s and the 1950s. Underhill seeks to recreate the effect of men of stature becoming softened under Lynes' "homoerotic gaze."
This effect is achieved through the use of composition and lighting in Underhill's photographs. The businessmen in the images, adorned in 1950s fashion, appear emasculated and saddened.
Perhaps the most visceral piece is "Trapped" by Sandy Stone. A 17-inch human-shaped figure lies motionless on a dirty floor, wrapped and bound in a dingy cloth. After a few moments, the figure assumes motion that resembles breathing. The figure then begins to struggle with the ropes that bind it until it grows tired and resumes stillness.
This sculpture is almost disturbing. It strongly conveys the difficulties experienced by someone bound or restricted by their social context, at times fighting to be freed and at times giving up and standing still.
The exhibit also includes works by international artists such as Tobaron Waxman, Francesca Galliani and Philipe Lonestar, among others.
"I was surprised that the exhibition was so strong without being shocking," said Jesse Mook, a 23-year-old local short-order cook.
Deviant Bodies runs through Dec. 17 at CEPA Gallery, 617 Main Street.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
