Artist statement: In beginning art classes, we learn to shade by drawing a grey scale from white to black. I use this as a symbol to talk about gender. In this work, in which the greyscale is placed in front of the restrooms, I wanted to consider the act of choosing a space and the way in which that speaks to the act of dissecting gender.
I found this piece rather fascinating. It was a simple way to talk about the black and white gender groups that are present within our society. This is a topic that has come more into my life and mind recently and I think you did a great job of presenting this piece in a space that everyone is familiar with (men and women's restrooms), and in a non-obtrusive way that would leave any viewer thinking about what the black, white, and gray in-between boxes could represent. This idea of choosing a space that speaks to dissecting gender is clever and powerful, I feel you should expand this specific idea into other pieces.
ReplyDeleteHere is an example of perfect unintended consequences. After the work was installed, we realized that the middle grey rectangle led right into the closet. Another level of meaning.
ReplyDeleteI second Kristina's comment--the fact that the grey rectangle led into a closet was both ironic and slightly hilarious. Embrace this happy accident! The way this piece and subject are presented is both subtle and in your face. You are making a powerful statement in a quiet way, however once the viewer sees the intended meaning you are forcing the viewer to consider gender and sexuality on a spectrum. You keep people thinking, so consider this very successful in that regard.
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