Queer Art

Samantha Louise Cone (she/her)

I had the pleasure of speaking to several different queer artists that attended the Queer Art Market arranged by Q–félagið (the Queer Student Association) about what art means to them, how they use it, and what makes queer art ‘queer’. A more comprehensive version of this article, including images of each artist’s work, as well as links to their Instagram profiles, websites, and other contact details, can be found on Stúdentablaðið’s website. Although I tried to keep my questions broad, many of the responses had similar messages: that of community, connection, acceptance and safety. One thing I found especially poignant was how kind everyone was, and how so many people I reached out to really took the time to think about the topic. I could really feel the passion through the answers I was given, not just for the art, but also for what it represents, and more importantly, how it can make a difference.

Lognsins List

Instagram: @lognsins

Most of the artists agreed that ‘queer art’ does not necessarily have to have a queer subject matter and it is ‘queer by default’ – in other words, it is the very fact that the art is being produced by a queer individual, who has a queer perspective on the world, that makes it queer – since art always reflects upon the artist, and the artist, in some way, puts themselves into their work. A couple of the artists were more specific, that queer art should be for the community, and that it is art that is used to help understand the world, often with a focus on gender and sexuality. Something I found particularly striking was that whether they all agreed on what made queer art ‘queer’ or not they did all agree, completely unanimously, that queer-focused events, such as the art market, are incredibly special and important to both the queer community and the art community. The sense of connection, belonging, acceptance and safety found at queer events is something treasured by all, and rightly so. These values are essential as foundations for supporting the community and allowing individuals to become more confident in their own identity. Support does of course come in many different formats, and whilst the financial investment in queer artists is, obviously, a key way to support the community, it was not the primary focus of any of the artists I spoke to. Of far greater value, it seems, was the human impact and the way that these events act as safe spaces for self-expression, allowing a community to develop where everyone is authentically themselves, which is sadly not something that is always possible in the world today yet.

Sitian

Instagram: @sitian.quan

It is clear from my conversations with each artist that queer-focused events are valuable in developing and maintaining a sense of community: allowing each artist the safe space they require to explore their lives, identity, and lived experience to the fullest, which in turn helps other people to explore their own experiences by creating connections between the art and their own lives. Art is a deeply personal and intimate medium, so being able to speak to the artists about their motivations, their values and their identities has been a uniquely humbling experience and I wish them all the very best with their work. I know that a picture speaks a thousand words, so I thoroughly recommend checking out their Instagram profiles and letting the art speak for itself. You won’t be disappointed.

Galactic Deer

Instagram: @galacticdeer