There has been an increasing focus on queer representation in art, which often reflects the diversity and complexity of queer experiences through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, installation, performance, film, photography, digital media, and interactive installations. These works explore themes related to identity, gender, power dynamics, desire, pleasure, and intimacy, among others. One area that has particularly gained attention is the depiction of queer erotic desire in experimental and multidisciplinary practices. Visual artists have challenged traditional representations of sexuality and gender norms by creating innovative and immersive environments that allow viewers to interact and engage with their work. The focus of this paper is on how visual artists are using these experimental and multimedia techniques to redefine and expand our understanding of queer desire. This exploration will examine the ways in which artists create interactive and multimedia spaces that defy conventional understandings of sex, sexuality, eroticism, and intimacy and offer new perspectives on what it means to be queer.
Focusing on selected contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds and geographies, this paper examines how they have used video, sound, technology, lighting, sculpture, performance, and other forms to push the boundaries of representation and invite audiences to reconsider established ideas about sexuality, desire, and relationships. The first section of the article looks at the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in artistic practice to create immersive experiences that challenge viewers' perceptions of gender, identity, and power dynamics. Artists such as Lauren Lee McCarthy and Zach Blas utilize VR to subvert heteronormative narratives and encourage self-reflection and critical thinking. McCarthy creates a series of digital simulations where users can explore different versions of themselves and question social expectations around gender and sexuality. Blas' "Queer Technologies" exhibition uses VR to highlight the role of technology in shaping societal attitudes towards queerness and explores the implications for individuals who identify as queer or transgender.
The second part of the article discusses how some artists are employing sound, performance, and installation to create multisensory environments that engage viewers physically and emotionally. Examples include the work of artists like Daria Irincheeva and Alexander Burenkov, who created a multisensorial environment that simulates the experience of being within a body through lighting, music, and movement; and Ariel René Jackson, whose installations combine video projections with found objects to create an intimate space for reflection on love, loss, and healing. These works offer a new way of experiencing and understanding eroticism beyond traditional visual representations.
The paper examines how some artists have used interactive technologies to create spaces that redefine what it means to be queer by challenging conventional understandings of power and desire.
Lorraine O'Grady and Xavier Cha use interactive installations to examine the complex dynamics between desire, pleasure, and oppression. In her work, O'Grady incorporates archival materials, photography, and sculpture to investigate historical narratives of black female identity and sexuality. Cha's "Mutant Sex Project" creates a safe space for queer people of color to express their desires without fear of judgment or repression. Both artists challenge established notions of eroticism and desire while creating spaces where queerness can be explored in non-traditional ways.
This paper has highlighted how contemporary visual artists are utilizing experimental and multimedia techniques to expand our understanding of queer desire. Through immersive environments, multisensory experiences, and interactive installations, these artists are pushing boundaries and offering fresh perspectives on sex, gender, identity, and power. By redefining eroticism and relationships, they invite viewers to engage with their artwork from new angles and challenge existing norms and expectations.
This article demonstrates how technology is transforming our perception of art and its role in shaping society's attitudes towards queerness and intimacy.
How do visual artists depict queer erotic desire in experimental, interactive, and multimedia practices?
Many contemporary artists today explore sexuality through their artworks, particularly when it comes to queer eroticism and desire. This has led to an emergence of new media and techniques that have made these subjects more accessible and relatable. Visual artists often use experimental, interactive, and multimedia practices to present queer desires, such as body modifications, non-binary identities, and fluid gender expressions. By incorporating these elements into their works, they challenge traditional notions about sex and sexuality.