How to paint an orgy, find models on Grindr, & stage sexy selfies: 3 queer artists reveal their secrets
Tom of Finland bulge, a Keith Haring illustration with intertwined body parts, or a provocative Diane Arbus photograph — each represents the artist’s viewpoint, but they also play significant roles in LGBTQ+ visibility.
It’s one thing to say, “We’re Here. We’re Queer.” It’s another to see it. Despite decades of criminalization, ostracization, the AIDS epidemic, and a new wave of anti-LGBTQ+ vitriol, queer artists continue to push boundaries, with many putting body-positive sexuality front and center.
Queerty spoke with three contemporary artists about what inspires them and why they feel it’s vital to humanity to express their sexuality through their work.Keith Haring’s enduring influence serves as an inspiration for future generations to break barriers and create positive change through artistic expression and activism.Artist Ian Stone was studying at Dawson College when he first painted a homosexual scene, at least the insinuation of it: two boys wrestling on a bed with a closet subtly behind them.
He presented it to teachers and jurors as his graduation project.“Are you gay?” one of them quipped, immediately embarrasing Stone, who thought he had been clever.His secret permeated his art to the point viewers could see too much of him.
