Queer Art
© Ernesto Beckford, Chadds Ford PA (2021-2024)
Beautiful Boy In Skirt.
The collage is a statement on the beauty and freedom of self-expression, particularly in the context of the LGBTQ+ community. The young man is depicted in a moment of joy and celebration. The baroque background, with its elegant fleur-de-lis patterns, contrasts with the youthfulness and informality of the dancing figure, symbolizes the tension between societal expectations and individual freedom. Mixed Media Collage (paper on canvas, with watercolor and pastels)
Collage Size: 14 x14 inches.
Completed 2024.
Nostalgic Echoes.
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An older woman remembers a former lover from the days of her youth. Portrayal of aging and reminiscence. Handmade collage. Paper on paper and watercolor.
Collage size: 10.75 X 13 inches.
Completed 2024.
Tender Butterflies.
This handmade collage features the profile of a handsome male figure who appears reflective and melancholic. His hair and body are composed of images of butterfly wings with mesmerizing patterns. The bold and fluid strokes of color on his face suggest a sense of fluidity and transformation, akin to a cocoon sprouting wings. The piece combines natural elements, such as butterfly wings, with human identity, presenting a tender and nuanced interpretation of masculinity. Mixed media collage (paper on paper, soft pastels, watercolor).
Collage Size: 19 x 18.5 inches.
Completed 2024.
Macho Androgyny.
The term "macho androgyny" refers to a gender expression that combines traditionally masculine traits with elements of androgyny, blurring the lines between traditional gender norms. It often involves individuals incorporating aspects of both masculinity and androgyny into their appearance, behavior, or self-presentation Mixed media collage (paper on paper, watercolor and pastels).
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Collage Size: 18.75 x 12. inches.
Completed 2024.
Transgender Latina.
This collage depicts a transgender Latina positioned on a staircase. She is dressed in an eclectic mix of traditional and modern attire, featuring bold red and purple hues that draw attention to her presence. Her expression is one of quiet resilience. The woman's placement on the staircase, coupled with the surrounding barriers and shadows, evokes a feeling of being blocked in or constrained. The stairs are a metaphor for the obstacles and steps transgender women must navigate in a society where they face stereotypes and discrimination. Despite these constraints, the woman's poised stance and dignified appearance signify her strength and success in overcoming challenges. Mixed media collage (paper on paper, watercolor and pastels).
Collage Size: 13 x 18.75 inches.
Completed 2024.
Mars Transitioning.
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This collage depicts a figure transitioning from female to male, blending features of both genders. Symbolizing personal transformation and identity exploration, it celebrates gender fluidity. Handmade with paper, watercolor, pastels, glue, and a thin line of rope.
Collage Size: 9.75 x11.25 inches.
Completed 2024.
Blue is For Boy
Examining masculinity and fluidity. Handmade collage using magazine ads, bits and pieces of paper, watercolor, soft pastels, and glue.
Collage Size: 17 x 18.25 inches.
(Completed 2024)
Heroic Greeks Revisited
In ancient Greece, homosexuality was not a taboo subject, and was explored by writers such as Herodotus, Plato, and Athenaeus. The Sacred Band of Thebes, a troop of the best soldiers, was comprised entirely of male lovers, and was considered the prime example of valor. Despite scholars ignoring the importance of homosexuality in Greece for centuries, modern historians have picked up the threads and shown that same-sex relations were openly practiced with official sanction in many areas of life from the 7th century BC until the Roman era. It's important for gay men of our day to embrace our historical roots and remind the world that we have always existed in history and have always advanced civilization. We are the heroic Greeks.
Collage size 12.25 x 15.75 inches.
(Completed 2023)
Red is For Radical
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Red is often associated with radicalism, encompassing feelings of rage, reflection, and a desire for reform. These characteristics are usually attributed to individuals who do not conform to societal norms; to outsiders who wish to be accepted as they are. The figure depicted in this piece embodies the idea of a red radical but is softened by including a feather in their headdress -- a quill, a pen. This serves as a reminder that while taking action is essential, words are also a powerful physical force. Mightier than the sword, as they say. Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, string, watercolor, soft pastels and glue.
Collage Size: 14x14 inches.
(Completed 2024
Cruising
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Collage capturing a moment of intrigue and attraction between two handsome men. The men's gaze towards each other is the focal point of the composition, capturing a moment of curiosity and attraction. A surreal element comes into play here, as their faces possess subtle distortions and dreamlike qualities, highlighting the intensity of their connection and the dreamy atmosphere of the scene. Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, watercolor, soft pastels, magazines, and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Collage Size: 17x13 inches.
(Completed 2023)
Guardian Angel
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A fluid guardian angel, to protect us. Handmade collage from paper and watercolor.
Collage Size: 13.5x17.5 inches.
(Completed 2023)
Train to the Beach
In this surreal and metaphorical collage, two genderless or fluid figures are depicted embarking on a journey of ambiguity towards an unknown destination. Their flamboyant and conservative appearance challenges the stereotypes associated with what a man, a woman, or a human being should look like, and invites us to question our preconceived notions of gender and self-expression. The piece celebrates the power of fluidity in identity and inspires us to embrace the beauty of diversity. Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, watercolor, soft pastels, magazines, and old books.
Collage Size: 17x13 inches.
(Completed 2023)