This painting refers to the commonality of poppers in the gay club scene and within intimate settings. Dobermans reappear here as protectors of the large bottle. They seem wild and rogue, did the dogs take poppers?

The dogs exude a masculine stereotype. They are stood strong, aggressive and have to be contained by a chain. Furrowed brows and glaring teeth show they are on high alert. The idea for the dogs’ expression comes from analysing Dougie Wallace’s ‘Goan to the Dogs’ series. I liked how close we as viewers feel to the dogs in Wallace’s collection. The dogs appear ready to pounce and puts viewers on edge, as if they are living within the photo. I also referred to Francis Bacon and Dora Jeridi’s use of shade and shape for this piece. The high contrast works here and makes the bottle glow. The bright yellow is inspired by Leigh Bowry’s palette.

‘Dykes have more fun’ is a booklet containing some of the photos I have taken this semester. Inspired by my research for my thesis and the importance of documenting queer spaces especially nowadays with the uncertainty of queer safety/rights in America.

I posed my friends and myself in front of backdrops and props in my apartment to illustrate common poses/ frames in traditional portraiture. Poking at heteronormative norms, the subjects were asked to wear what they feel represents their queer identity best. I was able to successfully document a segment of our shared queer space. Miscellaneous objects are strewn throughout the photos as symbolism. Included were dried roses and lavender from my stepmother in Chicago, tea lights, silver jewellery, cigarettes and a compact mirror with a Doberman printed on it. The mirror reflects my Doberman painting already included in this document. Lavender is tied to empowerment in the queer community and is a colour utilised by lesbian and feminist movements from the 1960’s onward.