Double Exposures
My series Double Exposures is composed of limited-edition silkscreen prints that focus on pivotal figures in LGBTQ civil rights history. The queer revolutionary is erased, silenced, and made invisible in historical narratives. My print project reclaims LGBTQ+ history and identity through portraits of queer figures, challenging the ritualized roles assigned to us by a society that views us through the vitrine of exoticism. By honoring those often made invisible, I reject the limited narratives imposed on us, asserting instead that we define our culture and history on our own terms, with all the contradictions that come with it.
Silkscreen printing, a technique with a rich history in both art and activism, is the perfect medium for this project. Its ability to produce high-quality prints in large quantities made it an essential tool for social movements like ACTUP, Gran Fury and Atelier Populaire.
The individuals depicted in my series represent the countless citizens who have worked to advance the status of marginalized groups through their art, activism, and community engagement. By celebrating their images, I hope to inspire and inform future generations, sparking curiosity about the work that precedes us and the power of example to motivate us forward.
My project began with a photograph I took of Eileen Myles during a visit to my studio. The candid shot, capturing Myles deep in thought with their hands gesticulating, seemed to embody the natural way they play with language. This image inspired the “double exposure” technique used throughout the series, where one image is layered on top of another, creating a visual metaphor for the complexities of queer identity and experience.
Just as Myles’s poetry often blends personal narratives with broader social commentary, the double exposure technique visually represents the interplay between different identities, perspectives, and experiences that queer people often navigate. By juxtaposing images and narratives, I aim to highlight the ways in which queer individuals have simultaneously challenged societal norms and contributed to cultural richness.
Eileen Myles: A towering figure in queer literature, Myles’s work challenges conventional narratives and amplifies the visibility of marginalized voices. Her creative work is generative within a larger queer and radical creative community that spans literature, film, music, and performance.
Bayard Rustin: A prominent civil rights activist, considered a key strategist behind the movement, particularly known for his pivotal role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin’s contributions were often minimized due to his open homosexuality. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment for his beliefs and sexuality, he continued to live as an openly gay man.
Faygele Ben-Miriam: A pioneer in LGBTQ+ activism, Ben-Miriam’s work bridged gaps between the gay rights movement and broader social justice causes. He was a passionate character, challenging his friends to think of freedom in everything from how they dressed to who they stood up for. His willingness to put everything on the line, even his own safety, made him a trusted figure in the movement.
Through these portraits, I aim to capture the essence of these individuals and the broader historical and social currents they represent. Each print stands as a testament to the power of visibility and representation in reshaping our understanding of queer and civil rights history. As society continues to grapple with issues of equality and justice, these portraits serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of these figures and the ongoing necessity of their contributions.