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This painting originates from the 18th century Pre-Raphaelite and Aestheticism movement. In this painting, the artist used many artistic techniques including linear arrangement and overlapping, calling attention to the precise naturalistic details of the painting. artist paints Sappho and Erinna sitting closely sharing intimacy, with slightly erotic body language. The coded messages implies A same-sex relationship. -
This oil on canvas is also from the Pre-Raphaelite/ Aesthetic movement. The artist Simeon Solomon was an openly queer Victorian artist who intertwines his sexuality within his imagery. In this painting Solomon defies societal gender expectations, by painting the male figure in a soft feminine light with feminine features. The subtle use of Chiaroscuro created strong dimensionality, making the painting almost appear as mythological. -
Lastly, from the Pre-Raphaelite/Aesthetic movement, in this watercolor piece the artist uses Androgynous figures to embrace the concept of fluidity within gender. In the painting one figure is awake while the others are sleeping adding emphasis on the male intimacy, gaze, and the sacredness of hidden desire. The neutral tones of the piece along with the contrast create emotional tension within the composition. -
This painting is from the Modern Art era. In this composition, the symbolism is vast however the artist was known to challenge heteronormative identities. The painting depicts Frida Khalo's feet in water along with objects and naked figures of women. The implication from the artwork shows pieces of her memory, in addition to her self identity, relationships and experiences. -
This painting is apart of the Modern Art era, associated with Mexican Modernism. This piece can be considered "Queer artwork," because Frida Kahlo is depicted in a suit with short hair, similar to that of a man. This is symbolic because she is resisting the traditional gender role of a female , and she is challenging conventional binary expectations. -
This composition is associated with the Pop Art movement. The artist is a openly queer British artist making his sexual identity prominent to his imagery. In this art piece there is a partially nude male lying facedown on a bed, making the partially nude male the focal point of the composition. Additionally, this also centers the male gaze, desire, and beauty as the focal theme. -
This art piece is also from the Pop Art movement. In this painting, the artist paints a famous openly queer couple that is in a long term relationship. From this composition I believe the artist is emphasizing partnership in a domestic environment, defying conventional heterosexual partnership. -
Similarly, just like his other paintings, this painting is from the Pop Art movement as well. This composition contains queer context that is broken down visually between two male figures. One figure stares down at the male in water creating a sense of emotional connection and desire. The themes of this art piece highlight real-world dynamics such as open queer admiration, where as before it had to be hidden.