Whenever queer artists employ the strategies of absence, silence, or invisibility in their work, they are making an intentional choice to communicate beyond what is explicitly stated. Such strategies can be used as aesthetic devices to create tension, ambiguity, and discomfort that encourage viewers to question their own assumptions about gender, identity, and desire. They can also serve as powerful statements of resistance against dominant cultural narratives that marginalize and suppress queer experiences. This article will explore how these strategies function both aesthetically and politically in the context of queer visual art, highlighting notable examples from a variety of mediums.
One example of this strategy is the use of negative space in photography. In a series of photographs entitled "Felix Gonzalez-Torres" by Robert Mapplethorpe, the artist presents intimate portraits of his partner without showing his face. The resulting images convey a sense of mystery and longing, inviting viewers to imagine the person behind the subject's eyes. By avoiding the conventional representation of the male body, the artist subverts the heteronormative gaze that often objectifies and reduces men to their physical appearance. The absence of the face also suggests a hidden or concealed sexuality that challenges societal norms around masculinity and intimacy.
Another approach is the use of silence in film.
In Todd Haynes' "Carol," the director chooses not to show any explicit scenes of sex between Carol and Therese, despite the fact that their relationship is central to the plot. Instead, he focuses on subtle gestures and glances that hint at the characters' emotional connection and sexual attraction. By refusing to depict overtly erotic content, Haynes draws attention to the ways in which society represses and controls same-sex desire. He also creates a sense of yearning and anticipation that mirrors the characters' own experiences as they navigate the social stigma surrounding their love affair.
The strategic omission of key details can be found in performance art as well. In Derek Jarman's "Blue Movie," the artist projects blue light onto a screen for nearly an hour, with no dialogue or narrative structure. The work represents a radical rejection of traditional cinema conventions, challenging viewers to confront their expectations about what makes up a movie experience. It also evokes the feeling of being alone or isolated, reflecting the queer experience of living outside of mainstream culture. Similarly, Joan Jonas's "Organic Honey's Visual Telepathy" uses repetitive soundscapes and minimalist imagery to evoke a state of disorientation and confusion, inviting viewers to consider how our perceptions are shaped by cultural and social norms.
Artists may employ strategies of invisibility to critique dominant power structures.
In Fiona Tan's installation piece "Disappearance at Sea," she shows video footage of water without any clear subject matter. This creates a sense of emptiness and uncertainty, suggesting the unseen forces that govern our lives. By presenting such a non-specific image, Tan challenges viewers to question their assumptions about who has agency in the world and whose voices go unheard. The use of silence and absence in this work amplifies its political message, allowing it to resonate beyond the visual realm and into broader social contexts.
Deliberate choices regarding absence, silence, and invisibility in queer visual art serve multiple functions, from creating ambiguity and tension to making powerful political statements. These strategies invite viewers to engage more deeply with the complexities of gender, sexuality, and identity, while also critiquing dominant narratives that marginalize and suppress LGBTQ+ experiences.
How does the deliberate use of absence, silence, or invisibility in queer visual art function as both aesthetic strategy and political statement?
"Deliberate uses of absences, silences, and invisibilities can be interpreted as strategies that challenge heteronormativity within queer visual arts. Through their work, artists create spaces for audiences to reflect on how identities are constructed, who has power over them, and what is left out from mainstream narratives.