#ExposingStupid: Social Media Inspires Art

UPDATE: Sadly Cory Allen Contemporary has closed and I am currently seeking a new exhibit space for this series of work. Stay tuned!


I am super excited to publicly announce that on the evening of November 12th, 2015 my solo exhibit, #ExposingStupid will open at Cory Allen Contemporary Art. This is a show unlike any that I have had the opportunity to create thus far. As when I prepared to take the stage as a performer many years ago, I find myself today filled with and fueled by nervous energy, inspiration and determination. With making this announcement, I wanted put into words some thoughts on what inspired this particular show.

I love Facebook.
Few things invented in my lifetime seem to have as great an impact in my daily world as social media does. It is a great business tool and personally a lot of fun.  I can’t think of any other way in which so many old friends and I would be in touch today sharing laughs on a nightly basis, regardless of distance or years in between face to face meet ups. 

Facebook also makes me want to rip my face off and feed it to a pack of rabid wolves. Sadly this is an almost daily occurrence too. Blatant racism and homophobia and pious bullies all seem to make their way onto my daily feed. Scrolling through sometimes feels like watching a parade of stupid marching down Facebook Avenue.

I don’t pretend to be good at things I’m not. Keeping my mouth shut and looking the other way, are good examples. The constant barrage of idiocy on social media results in spirited and colorful rants on my part. I am not one to keep chaos inside. Few things enrage me more than the sheer lack of empathy that seems so rampant online. I cannot afford brain tumors or cancer so it is purely an act of holistic health preservation when I have to call someone out on being a racist dickhole or a dumb pompous religious fuckturd. These are not nice words or innovative uses of the English language, I realize. Ugly actions deserve ugly words.

There is so much happening in the world at this very moment. We are witnessing history in the making at such a rapid pace through social media that it can be almost, if not completely overwhelming. With every stride or backward step come downpours and raging winds of opinions, support and opposition. The perfect storm of social discord takes place on our computer, phone and tablet screens every single day. 
I am no stranger to screencaps and not above snapping and tweeting or posting them on my page without the courtesy of name or face blurs when someone crosses a line of bigotry or hate. That is how #exposingstupid was born.  The concepts for the first few paintings for this series came from the desire to put onto canvas (another exercise in self-preservation, perhaps) thoughts and opinions on subjects such as racism, homophobia and religion-induced indignation. To further refine my approach I decided to take on the series with a “Year-in-Review” mentality, reflecting on how quickly change is happening. I hope that the show will not only offer visitors an opportunity to reflect on the themes at hand but a chance to consider putting themselves in the shoes of another and the "what ifs" of life.

While a few of the pieces, some which will be interactive, for this collection will be executed in disciplines outside my wheelhouse (a welcome challenge), I will be painting in my signature Latin Pop style which combines pop and folk art. I am very much looking forward to exploring dark subjects and recent events and triumphs with satire and whimsy and seeing how the public receives the work. 

Hurts so Good, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40"

When You Care Enough to Send the Very Gay

This week, Hallmark unveiled their new line of same-sex "marriage" greeting cards.
I write "marriage" in quotations because although one design features hearts in Rainbow colors and another side-by-side tuxedos, the nation's leading greeting card manufacturer was careful to avoid the word or any direct references to weddings.

According to Hallmark spokeswoman Sarah Gronberg Kolell,"It's our goal to be as relevant as possible to as many people as we can."

Hallmark is also leaving it up to all of its stores to choose independently whether or not they wish to carry the new cards. So if your local Hallmark is managed by the neighborhood's Sunday School teacher, you just might be shit out of luck.

Personally, their already existing "For my Husband"-type cards served me just fine. I have no qualms about picking out anniversary cards with all the other wives, however puzzled or disapprovingly some of them might look at me.

Here's an idea, Hallmark: since your goal is to be as relevant as possible...how about a line that welcomes the new gays-next-door?!

Cover: Welcome New Neighbors
Inside: Thank you for raising our property values!

Or maybe, since you're into wide-appeal-type messages, a general gay-appreciation card!

Cover: Thank You for Being Gay!

The inside messages could vary to suit the consumer with heart-warming offerings like: I could've never decorated my home without you! or My husband would never allow our friendship otherwise.

Or here's an even better (more "relevant") idea:
How about a line of Gay Pride Greetings???
Such cards, of course are already offered by independent companies with balls.

Don't worry about the wedding cards, Hallmark (we can continue to customize them by drawing little moustaches on the ladies).

I know I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth but...If you want to cash in on our community, give us something that actually means something and has some real relevance. Don't be afraid to go all the way. We will appreciate it and in turn buy your product.

Just a thought.

Here's some companies that offer gay-themed greeting cards:
PaperWords.com
10 Percent
Over the Rainbow Shop
Gaycondoms.com (Yes, they have greeting cards! LOL!)
Alternative Greeting Cards

Introducing Guy-liner and Man-scara!

Taxi Man, a new line of "Metrosexual makeup, just for men" has been introduced.

The company's director of trading Jeff Wemyss insists:
"These days you can be macho and wear make-up. If you look at people like Russell Brand and Robbie Williams, they both wear make-up and they are both very red-blooded men."

This Gay is here to tell you that, umm...no you can't be macho and wear make-up (with the exception of stage or film make-up).

Don't even get me started on what sorts of guy on guy scenarios I could easily see a guy like Robbie Williams slipping into under a drunken stupor (but enough about my fantasies).

Pictured below is aforementioned, Russell Brand:


NOT macho!
Me suspects this to be just Amy Winehouse sporting a "natural" look.

I know some of you might think I'd be overjoyed by the introduction of such products, but quite honestly, I miss the days when the gay/straight lines were just a little less blurred. Once you short-circuit gay folks' gay-dar, it's gone too far.

Damn you "Queer Eye"!

No disrespect meant towards Estelle Getty...

but what is wrong with people??!



If the title of this post scared you...press 1

If you think I'm just being mean...press 2

I swear, I'm a REALLY nice person.

Elizabeth Dole: Crazy Bitch!

Sen. Elizabeth Dole proposes renaming the the current AIDS relief bill after Jesse Helms.

Crazy Bitch!

I'm sorry, but she must be either or both to even make such a suggestion.

Joe My God blog provides a lovely flashback quote-montage of some of Mr. Helms most notable words on Aids relief. Cue the In Memoriam music:

Jesse Helms, the man who in 1988 vigorously opposed AIDS prevention literature as "so obscene, so revolting, I may throw up."

Jesse Helms, the man who in 1988 vigorously opposed the Kennedy-Hatch AIDS research bill, saying, "There is not one single case of AIDS in this country that cannot be traced in origin to sodomy."

Jesse Helms, the man who in 1995 said (in opposition to refunding the Ryan White Act) that the government should spend less on people with AIDS because they got sick due to their "deliberate, disgusting, revolting conduct."

Jesse Helms, the man who in 2002 announced that he'd changed his mind about AIDS funding for Africa, but not for American gays, because homosexuality "is the primary cause of the doubling and redoubling of AIDS cases in the United States."

Thank you Freckles for forwarding this info!