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CONSTRUCTION OF IDENTITY THROUGH APPEARANCE
Transamerica/n: Gender, Identity, Appearance Today is the country’s first survey of contemporary North American artwork that explores the many outward appearances of gender identity. This groundbreaking exhibition broadens the canon of art history by showcasing artists and their subjects—often underrepresented individuals committed to expressing their authentic selves.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City, a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ movement, Transamerica/n celebrates transformative, transcendent, and trans-historical artwork that embraces the spectrum of gender expression across visual mediums. The exhibition proudly reflects San Antonio’s culturally diverse landscape by featuring commissioned artworks by Latinx artists from this community.
Transamerica/n is an inclusive experience and, accordingly, signals the McNay as a welcoming and safe space for everyone. Visitors are encouraged to find artworks throughout the Museum whose stories mirror their own. This presentation and its related programs promote open dialogue about gender, identity, appearance, community, and love—topics that reflect society’s universal truths and shared vulnerabilities. Art museums can bridge their communities. Transamerica/n helps the McNay do that better.
Transamerica/n: Gender, Identity, Appearance Today is organized by the McNay Art Museum, conceived by René Paul Barilleaux, Head of Curatorial Affairs; and organized with Jackie Edwards, Assistant Curator; Bianca Alvarez, 2017-2018 Semmes Foundation Intern in Museum Studies; and Lauren Thompson, 2018-2019 Semmes Foundation Intern in Museum Studies.
Lead funding is most generously provided by the Ford Foundation. Major funding is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation, Inc.
Additional support is provided by Metropolitan Methodist Hospital,“Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality;” and the Host Committee, chaired by Dr. Carlos E. Alvarez-Meraz.
GALLERY
Jacolby Satterwhite, How lovly is me being as I am, 2014. Neon. Courtesy of the artist and Morán Morán, Los Angeles. © Jacolby Satterwhite
Yasumasa Morimura, Dedicated to La Duquesa de Alba/Black Alba, 2004. Chromogenic print mounted on canvas. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Museum purchase with funds from the McNay Contemporary Collectors Forum. © 2019 Yasumasa Morimura
Carlos Betancourt, Totem for Light I (Carlos), 2009. Digital print. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Museum purchase with funds from Barbara and Harvey Goldstein. © 2019 Carlos Betancourt
Lesley Dill, Poem Dress for a Hermaphrodite, 1995. Gelatin silver print. Courtesy of the artist and Nohra Haime Gallery, New York. © 2019 Lesley Dill
Lezley Saar, The Silent Woman, 2015. Acrylic on fabric on panel. Courtesy of the artist and Walter Maciel Gallery, Los Angeles. Photograph by August Augustsson. © 2019 Lezley Saar
James Gobel, Robert, 2007. Felt, yarn, thread, and acrylic on canvas. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Museum purchase with funds from the McNay Contemporary Collectors Forum. © 2019 James Gobel
Deborah Kass, Double Double Yentl (My Elvis), 1993. Silkscreen and acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of the artist. © 2019 Deborah Kass / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Roey Victoria Heiftez, Anxiety, My Love!, 2018. Graphite, charcoal, and ink on paper. Courtesy of the artist and Israeli Art in Los Angeles. © 2019 Roey Victoria Heiftez