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"XXY: This is Not Pornography" gallery at The Philomathean Society
The Body and Photography is a University of Pennsylvania fine arts course designed for students interested in exploring the body photographically. Through demonstrations, presentations, artist lectures, readings, class discussions, brainstorming sessions, work-in-progress critiques, and field trips to galleries and museums, the course stimulates students to think about and investigate various topics related to The Body and Photography. Gender, political, and social issues related to the body, from the grotesque to the classical, will be important topics of discussions. Themes addressed throughout the semester include the history of the nude in fine art photography, new trends in contemporary depictions of the body, and techniques used in photographing the nude.
"XXY" is a group show showcasing the best images from the class. The show was held at the Philomathean Society from December 3 to 11, 2009. The opening reception was December 3, 2009. Professor Gabriel Martinez asked me to do a performance art piece for the show, so I scripted a three-act performance called "The Pose and the Paparazzi."
"The Pose and the Paparazzi"
Act 1: A famous celebrity finds herself in an introspective state. Unbeknownst to her, a member of the Paparazzi is secretly taking pictures of her. She turns around, notices the camera, and is startled. Secretly a narcissist, she quickly gets into it and starts posing for the camera.
Act 2: The famous celebrity uses her powers of seduction to bewitch the Paparazzi member to submit to her wishes. Due to the magic of her spell, the Paparazzi member transforms to a more androgynous appearance.
Act 3: The Paparazzi member is completely feminized and the famous celebrity exerts absolute control over her new disciple. |
Here are some pictures from the show: |
