Stella Puopolo

Gender Identity

My pieces in this exhibition center around the theme of gender identity. When I began brainstorming ideas for my theme, I knew that I had the opportunity to use my art to discuss something bigger than myself. Personally, this is a very important topic for me as it has been something I have been an avid advocate for throughout my life. With a transgender family member, I have a firsthand perspective into what gender dysphoria can look like, the all-consuming turmoil it entails, and, most importantly, the phenomenal strength it takes to express one’s gender in a daunting, unyielding world. In pursuit of portraying this courage, I decided to take inspiration from well known LGBTQ+ activists such as Gilbert Baker, while implementing techniques from artists such as David Hockney and Agnes Cecile. 

The artworks that I have selected represent the expansive range of ways to express gender identity. I wanted to approach this exhibition from all perspectives so the audiences would be able to gain a deeper understanding of a concept they may not have the opportunity to otherwise. “Prideful” is a more simple piece, an acrylic on canvas artwork representing transgender individuals. The pink and blue signify this, as these are two of the three colors on the transgender flag. In contrast to this color, the subject is in black and white, which symbolizes how society attempts to dull their gender expression by limiting their individuality and freedom of expression. Despite this oppression, the subject remains prideful of who they are. The second piece, “Fragmented”,  is a representation of the darkness in the struggle of gender dysphoria. One side of the face can be seen as more traditionally feminine, while the other being more masculine. Both sides are falling apart, symbolized by the squares over certain features of the face. This is meant to represent the struggles of having a discrepancy between one’s assigned sex and their true gender. The piece was done in black charcoal which adds depth and gives a more dramatic ambience. On the other hand, the exhibition is lit up with “He is Beautiful,” a watercolor piece starring a young boy covered in flowers and color. Flowers and bright colors have always been traditionally associated with femininity. However, these gender stereotypes are broken and reassociated with masculinity, as gender expression is malleable to anyone. The final piece, “Unbreakable'', serves as a conclusion to the exhibition. This is a digital piece that symbolizes unrelenting spirits of the individuals within this community, as the resilience born from adversity brings them closer and makes them stronger. The piece has abstract elements that give a more modern ambience than the other pieces.  

As one can see, all of the artworks are portraits. I found that portraiture was the way that I wanted to communicate my message because it gave me the opportunity to express emotions in their purest form: as they appear on the one who experiences them. I felt that there was nothing comparable to the presence of a human face when speaking on something that has such an impact on an enormous group of real people. 

Gender identity is a very controversial topic within modern society. I hope that viewing the pieces in my exhibition will be a small step towards justice and proper representation for those within this community.