Towards a Queer Iconology: Queer Subjectivity, Christian Imagery and Art at the End of the 19th and 20th
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sussex
Department Name: Sch of History, Art History & Philosophy
Abstract
This research project will investigate the (re) emergence of Christian imagery in works by queer artists
since 1978 by examining them through the lens of fin de siècle queer engagements with themes such as
the passion of Christ, Marianism and monastic communities.
Building upon the work of scholars who have found this to be a productive methodology, such as Love
and Gilman, my work will touch the two moments together (Love: 2007, Gilman: 1987). This will allow for
a consideration of the continued resonances of these encounters on our current understanding of sexual
difference and enrich the academic record of queer subjectivity by challenging the idea that Christianity
and homosexuality exist in a solely oppositional, repressive relationship and will show that for
contemporary queer artists, particularly those responding to the AIDS/HIV crisis, an incorporation of
Christian imagery has allowed for the construction of narratives of same sex desire outside of prevalent
discourses.
since 1978 by examining them through the lens of fin de siècle queer engagements with themes such as
the passion of Christ, Marianism and monastic communities.
Building upon the work of scholars who have found this to be a productive methodology, such as Love
and Gilman, my work will touch the two moments together (Love: 2007, Gilman: 1987). This will allow for
a consideration of the continued resonances of these encounters on our current understanding of sexual
difference and enrich the academic record of queer subjectivity by challenging the idea that Christianity
and homosexuality exist in a solely oppositional, repressive relationship and will show that for
contemporary queer artists, particularly those responding to the AIDS/HIV crisis, an incorporation of
Christian imagery has allowed for the construction of narratives of same sex desire outside of prevalent
discourses.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Thomas Elliott (Student) |