HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU

“Sana Sana (Nothing Lasts Forever)” (acrylic on wood panel, 20 in x 30 in)

Artist Combines Asian-American Roots and Psychedelic Visuals To Create Uniquely Vibrant Paintings

Artist Lauren YS creates art that brings a brightly colored universe to life. The vibrant shades are much more than just alluring visuals; they are also vessels for telling stories about queer identities, social justice, self-discovery, and reclamation. Based in Los Angeles, the work of the Chinese-American creative comes across as both a dreamy portal into a fantasy world and a rally cry for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

“SUNDOWN” (acrylic on wood panel, 24 in x 20 in)

“Dòuzhēng (Fight)” (acrylic on wood panel, 30 in x 22 in)

“Memory Is The Only Paradise” (acrylic on wood panel, 40 in x 30 in)

“My Body My Choice” (acrylic on wood panel, 48 in x 48 in)

“Oracle Bone” (acrylic on wood panel, 36 in diameter)

Zanele Muholi: Visual Activism 

In 2006, South Africa passed the Civil Union Bill. The legislation legalised same-sex marriage and civil partnership, making it the first country in Africa to do so. 

The same year that the Civil Union Bill came into effect, photographer Zanele Muholi (b. 1972) began to create Faces and Phases. The seminal project, inspired by both love and loss, documents the lives of Black lesbian, bisexual and queer women, and Trans and gender non-conforming people. 

Zanele Muholi: Visual Activism 

In 2006, South Africa passed the Civil Union Bill. The legislation legalised same-sex marriage and civil partnership, making it the first country in Africa to do so. 

The same year that the Civil Union Bill came into effect, photographer Zanele Muholi (b. 1972) began to create Faces and Phases. The seminal project, inspired by both love and loss, documents the lives of Black lesbian, bisexual and queer women, and Trans and gender non-conforming people. 

On Queer Photography: Paul Burnham Schwartz & Allen Frame in Conversation