Homage: Queer Lineages on Video is an exhibition that pays tribute to the queer ancestors who paved the way for the LGBTQ+ community. The artists featured in the exhibition draw inspiration from those who came before them, exploring the complexities of queerness and the untold histories of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Located at the Wallach Art Gallery in Columbia University’s Lenfest Center for the Arts, Homage showcases the work of seven artists from the Akeroyd Collection. The exhibition features eight pieces that are displayed in a way that allows viewers to compare and contrast the different perspectives and themes presented by the artists.
One of the pairings in the exhibition includes works by Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Kang Seung Lee, who both approach nature from a queer, nonlinear perspective. Weerasethakul pays homage to filmmaker Bruce Baille in his piece “For Bruce,” while Lee performs rituals in the gardens of Derek Jarman and Oh Joon-soo to honor their legacies. Both artists use unconventional methods to explore queer narratives and connections to the natural world.
Another pairing in the exhibition features dance as a central theme, with works by Serafin and Tony Cokes. Serafin pays tribute to choreographer Goh Choo San, while Cokes explores the expression of dance in nightclubs, specifically focusing on the origins of house music in Chicago’s Black and Brown queer communities.
P. Staff’s “The Foundation” and Rirkrit Tiravanija’s “United (John Giorno reads)” delve into the concept of queer forebears and the archives we inherit. Staff’s piece alternates footage of the Tom of Finland foundation with experimental theater, questioning the creation and preservation of iconic figures’ archives. Tiravanija collaborated with John Giorno to create a video compendium of Giorno reading his works, highlighting the importance of preserving queer voices and histories.
Carolyn Lazard’s “Red” and Dineo Seshee Bopape’s “a love supreme” explore identities outside of societal norms, focusing on themes of eroticism and abstract expressionism. Lazard pays homage to Tony Conrad’s experimental film “The Flicker” in her piece, while Bopape embraces her identity as a queer woman of color through her unique artistic expression.
Overall, Homage: Queer Lineages on Video is a thought-provoking exhibition curated by Rattanamol Singh Johal. By showcasing the nonlinear ways that queer individuals draw on the legacies of their ancestors, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on queerness and the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. The exhibition is on display at the Wallach Art Gallery until October 19 and is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and artistic expression of the LGBTQ+ community.
