Local LGBTQ+ photographers are on display at Georgia State University’s Clarkston campus in “Alphabet Redacted,” an exhibit celebrating the diversity of both the LGBTQ+ community and the medium of photography curated by Charlotte Wolf.
“Alphabet Redacted” brings together a group of Atlanta LGBTQ+ photographers whose work expands the possibilities of contemporary photography. While curating the exhibition, Woolf – a photographer and assistant professor of studio art at GSU Perimeter College – wanted to combat the erasure and stereotyping of the LGBTQ+ community. The exhibition speaks to the many failed attempts throughout history, including today, to erase LGBTQ+ lives and stories and makes those experiences visible and celebrated for their complexity.
The exhibit features work from 13 queer photographers: Haylee Anne, Jason Arel-Klein, Nydia Blas, David Clifton-Strawn, Cindy Elizabeth, Ross Landenberger, Montenez Lowery, Madison Nunes, Keamber Pearson, Tatum Shaw, Royce Soble, Parker Thornton, and Lynsey Weatherspoon.
“I really wanted to create an exhibition space where queer experience was visible and celebrated in all its complexity, shown through the range of what contemporary photography can be,” Woolf told Georgia Voice. “…I’m really trying to think about photography as sort of this queer medium that doesn’t necessarily have to be all what we expect photography to be.”
While all the featured artists are photographers, the art is widely varying, with both digital and analog photography, video, sculpture, and printing on materials like copper and cinder block. The exhibit captures queer themes of the body, self-image, archiving history, and performance, Woolf says, all showcasing the different ways one can be both queer and an artist.
“Alphabet Redacted” is currently on display at the Fine Arts Gallery on the Clarkston campus through March 26, with two upcoming public events. On Feb. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m., artists will be in attendance for an artist talk and reception to discuss their works and answer questions from attendees, and featured artists Haylee Anne and Madison Nunes will perform. The exhibition celebration will then be on Feb. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. with a more casual, opening-style event, sponsored by Atlanta Photography Group.
“Alphabet Redacted” is on view Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more here.
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