Sunday, September 5, 2010

ENGENDERED

ASHLEY PIXELLE ANDREWS
“ENGENDERED”
performance and installation
September 2010


I 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

And here is the set-up, courtesy Cathie Bleck

This is the final presentation of the installation on view through September 26th

1 comment:

  1. AH, I like the final presentation. And am glad the Japanese drag queen is occupying the center stage.

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