On View at MAL: Queer Fiber Artist Elliot Johnson’s Knitted Tapestry, “The Inherent Homoeroticism of Sharing an Orange with a Friend”
Seeing art created by Queer individuals who documented & celebrated their Queer lives played a fundamental role in my journey to understand and validate my own Queer identity. I can remember the exact moment I first saw a transmasculine individual depicted as desirable, sensitive, and capable of being in a loving relationship - and it was in Sophia Wallace’s photography series “Truer”. When you don’t have the privilege of proximity to the Queer community, representation within Queer art can help bridge the gap providing connection to those parts of yourself that are seldom seen and rarely, reveled in all of their fullness.
“We are not starving. Queers have feasts in our history and banquets in our closet.”
– Leo Herrera @herreraimages
credit: queerhairboulder.com
We knew that we wanted to feature Queer art at our Studio that highlighted the joy and richness of Queer lives. Our first and largest piece is from Queer Fiber Artist, Elliot Johnson, and paints a picture of 2 friends gleefully sharing an orange – perhaps breaking away the tough skin, exposing the juicy flesh, splitting the segments, licking their fingers, and enjoying the sweet, tangy fruit, completely unencumbered with fragile notions of masculinity or sexuality.
credit: queerhairboulder.com
credit: queerhairboulder.com
Knit your own version by purchasing Elliot’s pattern on their Etsy store.
You’ll definitely want to check out their wavy Rainbow Cowboy stickers!
Follow Elliot on his Instagram at @johnelliotknits.
#supportqueerart
