Mounds of Opacity

Abstract

Mounds of Opacity is a series of three interconnected artworks exploring questions of identity, disclosure, authenticity, transparency and belonging through the notion of queer opacity as a form of resistance. Looking into the past, present and future, each artworks explores different mediums and modes of revealing/hiding information, our stories and elements of identity. Mountain – “Mineral Scales instead, pls." is a digital mixed media artwork using photography, drawing and digital watercolor using varied digital opacity and transparency settings. It looks at the past asking what kind of archives we might be comfortable with entrusting our stories to. Moon – “The Moon is a Traitor” is a spoken word video performance based on the tension between wanting to expose yourself and hide depending on the safety of the situation, especially among the current rise in neo-fascism. Morning – “This Morning” looks into the future, trying to extrapolate what an ideal morning then might be. How will we be perceived? How can we ensure we will be safe and seen in that future based on what we chose to disclose or keep opaque in the present? - We can't, it's scary, and yet, we try.