ASHLEY PIXELLE ANDREWS
“ENGENDERED”
performance and installation
September 2010I spent 8 hours performing gender.
I constructed a small, triangular enclosure with light stands and curtains. Seated inside this chamber, I explored gender by applying makeup, costumes, and wigs. A video camera was fixed upon me and displayed a live feed on a TV monitor situated in front of the enclosure. This is where gallery goers witnessed the performance.
When each expression of gender was completed, I presented myself to the audience and requested a volunteer to take a photo of me. With a laptop and printer on site, I immediately printed the photograph and affixed it to the TV pedestal.
By the end of the 8 hours, I had created seven characters.
This installation, sans myself, will remain in the gallery for the duration of the show. The TV monitor will play the 8-hour video on repeat.
As a genderqueer person, I realize that gender is but a performance that can be bent and broken with little effort. I feel especially sensitive to the varying levels of discomfort individuals experience when a person of unrecognizable gender is encountered.
With my performance and installation, I wish to assist each member of the audience to realize his/her/their own comfort level with the gender continuum. Ideally, conversations about gender and acceptance of variations of gender will result in both the gallery setting and beyond.
GRETCHEN, PHILANTHROPIST |
CHAD, MUSICIAN |
FLOWER, DREAMER |
BILL, SYSTEMS ANALYST |
BETTIE, FILM ACTRESS |
CLYDE, PUNK |
ELEKTRA, DRAG QUEEN |
AH, I like the final presentation. And am glad the Japanese drag queen is occupying the center stage.
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