Gay artwork

Vaishnavi Srivastava

Happy Pride! As Pride Month kicks off we at Abir Pothi compiled a list of paintings in art history that are, well, just a little bit fruity. So next second a boomer hits you with a “I come from a generation where a couple means a man and a woman” you have 11 instances to show how wrong they really are. Or you could just savor the beauty and affection in these artworks which they are meant to represent at their very core. Either way, following are 11 famous instances of queer adore being depicted in art history:

1. Bhupen Khakhar, “Yayati”.

Bhupen Khakhar is one such legend in the discourse of Indian queer art history. The openly same-sex attracted artist has a number of infamous paintings, that show bold physical affection between two men. Khakhar’s works move in length to display themes of religious conflict and personal sexuality.

2. Michelangelo, “Victory”

 The very openly erotic sculpture by Michaelangelo depicts the Renaissance-era-sculptor between the legs of his lover Cavalieri. This magnificently carved homo-erotic sculpture goes down in history as one of the most important and applauded works of art in gender non-conforming history.

3. Nyankh-khnum and Khn

Some LGBTQA+ artists have achieved world-renowned fame: Tom of Finland, David Hockney, Claude Cahun, and Glück, to name a few. However, there are many others whose work is less well-known but who provide important glimpses into the lives and struggles of their community. These artists showcase the sexual, secretive, radical/political, and heart wrenching-moments that many, if not all, members in the community have experienced. Moreover, there is still a stigma that clouds over both LGBTQA+ artists and the art itself. Fortunately, here at Thomas J. Watson Library, we collect an encyclopedic and comprehensive collection of materials on the history of art in the world. Our online catalogue provides a great starting place to find an ample amount of materials to examine LGBTQA+ art. Here are a few to get you started!

Jarrett Key is a Brooklyn-based visual artist. In his artist's publication Trans (see above), Key explores signs and symbols with relation to transgender and gender identities and public restrooms.

Zanele Muholui is a South African artist whose photobook, Faces and Phases, presents portraits of black lesbian women, trans-men, and gay men, who are resisting

Discover Stunning Gay Art Prints at Society6

Transform your living room with our captivating collection of homosexual art prints. At Society6, we think that every wall is a canvas waiting to be adorned with unusual pieces that indicate your personality and taste. Our queer art prints pieces are meticulously curated to ensure that they add a touch of elegance and creativity to any room.

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Pride & LGBTQIA+ Artworks

The engagement of artists has always given a voice to minorities through creative expression. In this way, sculptors, painters and photographers have played an important role in raising public awareness throughout the course of history, head or accompanying societal changes. On the occasion of Pride month, let's dive deeper into LGBTQ+ voice in art.

Whilst during Classical Antiquity, homosexuality (in certain forms) was openly represented without taboos, it then disappeared completely from the history of art from the Middle Ages onwards.

It was only from the 20th century onwards that artists began to more openly express their sexuality in art again. For example, Frida Kahlo freed women from aesthetic and gender prejudices in her works. She presents the world with a female who is in govern of her body and in particular her sexual choices, thus moving away from society's traditional expectations.

Similarly, photographer Claude Cahun questions the theme of individuality and gender in her photographs. As early as the 1920s, this precursor for self-portraiture took photos of herself with brief hair, dressed as a man.