The Way You Look at Me reflects upon expectations of gender expression and performativity through the lens of a queer code. I construct portraits and self-portraits possessing reciprocal and nonreciprocal gazes, calling the viewer to embody my relationship. Multiple points-of-view accompanied with gesture transform the viewing experience from voyeuristic to participatory, while atmospheric images of objects signify fleeting moments and elicit introspection. The installation emphasizes this concept as scale and vantage points vary, creating tension throughout the scene. Implementing myself as a model allows me to reference personal memories from my upbringing and the consequences of those experiences. By engaging in multiple acts of self-fashioning, I question the role of representation and identity within photography ​and how this influences the act of looking at others.

The Magenta Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of TD Bank Group for their ongoing commitment to Flash Forward and to emerging artists.

© 2019 The Magenta Foundation

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