Queer Photography and the Betrayal of the Image
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC 135
Start Date
21-5-2015
End Date
21-5-2015
Keywords
Gender Studies, Photography, Queer Theory
Abstract
Queer is a descriptor of what is non-normative, generally associated with the rejection of traditional identities. What is queer is counter to what is accepted as normal. Photography, as a visual medium, is often used to reveal a subject and inform an audience. Queer photography has historically been utilized to expose the normal masses to what is not normal, and also to inform a select audience of what is acceptably queer. Our study proposes that queer photography establishes a self-negating concept; as a visual medium that aims to inform, photography has come to define a set norm for queer and has led to certain expectations for queer viewers and the non-queer public. Through an exploration of the visual history of queer photography, this study analyzes its effect on contemporary visual and popular culture and how the current structure of queer portrayal has betrayed the reality of the queer.
Recommended Citation
Kim, Philippe (Hyojung) and Walton, Lauren, "Queer Photography and the Betrayal of the Image" (2015). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 95.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2015/oralpresentations/95
Department/Program
Art
Additional Mentoring Department
Art
Queer Photography and the Betrayal of the Image
SURC 135
Queer is a descriptor of what is non-normative, generally associated with the rejection of traditional identities. What is queer is counter to what is accepted as normal. Photography, as a visual medium, is often used to reveal a subject and inform an audience. Queer photography has historically been utilized to expose the normal masses to what is not normal, and also to inform a select audience of what is acceptably queer. Our study proposes that queer photography establishes a self-negating concept; as a visual medium that aims to inform, photography has come to define a set norm for queer and has led to certain expectations for queer viewers and the non-queer public. Through an exploration of the visual history of queer photography, this study analyzes its effect on contemporary visual and popular culture and how the current structure of queer portrayal has betrayed the reality of the queer.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Ellen Avitts