Masks
Paper masks (acrylic)
(Photography by Gemma Verde)
Throughout my investigation of queerness this year, I have become increasingly fascinated by the camp. In particular, I felt inspired by queer performers. The Tate Modern’s exhibition, “Leigh Bowery!” celebrates the life and art of Leigh Bowery. His flamboyant fashion, bold makeup, theatrical humour and shock factor allowed him to turn self-expression into an art form. I admired his refusal to back down, to fear judgement or scrutiny. I found wearing these masks liberating, allowing myself to fully express myself through my own art. Ollie Musson’s video-piece, “Hungry Tiger,” also greatly inspired me. They combine poetry and performance, using humorous imagery and music in juxtaposition with the serious subject matter of the writing in a way that intrigues me. I wanted to do this photoshoot outdoors to reveal the way it feels to stand out as a queer person. I stand, neon pink and vivid against the earth tones of the Harris Gardens. I was drawn to both Freya Crow’s and Annie Edwards’ documentation of their own masks. They, too, use the outdoors to integrate their whimsical, surreal and strange masked figures into the wild.