Young Joon Kwak’s exhibition "RESISTERHOOD" at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art showcases the artist’s stunning sculptures that challenge binary notions of shadow and light. One such piece, "Femmmes (Nic, Toria, Yara)," crafted from dark resin and adorned with 10,000 hidden rhinestones, celebrates the beauty of queer and trans existence. The sculptures in the exhibit tell stories of contemporary identities, inviting viewers to explore the multifaceted nature of gender and sexuality.
In "To Refuse Looking Away from Our Transitioning Bodies (Me and My Fat *****)", Kwak’s friend’s torso is cast in glittering rainbow rhinestones, while "To See Your Self Reflected in Our Chameleonic Transformations (Drag Ban)" serves as a metaphor for both visibility and concealment. The chameleon motif in the latter piece symbolizes the ever-changing nature of our physical forms.
What sets Kwak’s work apart is the attention to detail and the exploration of impermanence. "To Refuse" exposes both the dazzling and raw aspects of the human body, highlighting the transitioning experience. The exhibition text poignantly notes the states of emergence and indeterminacy that define our corporeal existence, emphasizing the transient nature of life itself.
Kwak’s "Glitter Mani Festo" zine delves into the origins of our fascination with shiny objects, tracing it back to our primal instinct to seek out water. The paradox of glitter as a material of both luxury and kitsch mirrors the complexities of identity explored in the artist’s creations.
Each sculpture, drawing, and print in the exhibit offers a new perspective depending on the angle and lighting, much like glitter reflecting and refracting colors. The works resist a singular viewpoint, inviting viewers to engage with the fluidity of trans and nonbinary existence, echoing the vastness of the universe.
"RESISTERHOOD" at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, challenging traditional norms and inviting viewers to embrace the beauty of difference. The exhibition, curated by Stamatina Gregory, runs until July 27 and is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of gender and identity in contemporary art.
