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Marginalized groups form the foundation of our society’s resilience structures. In the absence of governmental support, grassroots communities use radicalized empathy, subversion, and resilience to support people in need. This work is difficult, under or unpaid, and deeply necessary. The identity series honors these strongholds.
Dorian
Oil and gold on canvas
24″x 40″
In Oscar Wilde’s, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” all the evils Dorian commits appear on his portrait rather than him. Here, Dorian is not a young wealthy socialite but an American. An American who is Black, gay, and a Venezuelan immigrant. We are all humans, flawed and deserving of decency. Whatever failings or heroics you see in Dorian is a reflection on you. (In this case the viewer in the “portrait” is the artist, but Dorian’s scintillating gaze pulls all viewers to participate in his judgment.)
The Constitution begins, “We the people” but who are “the people” we are built for if not our immigrants? Who else would we be trying to protect but our most vulnerable? Who are WE as Americans?
Two Diegos
Oil and gold on canvas
59″x 59″
Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo shows the pain of Frida’s recent divorce from Diego Rivera. Diego was emotionally abusive, able to carry out tremendous torment because he groomed Frida at a young age.
Two Diegos references Frida’s work. Diego’s younger self is posturing boldly, his heart is gray, symbolizing the deadening that happens when a person is not allowed to be vulnerable. Older Diego holds his hand, aware of the damage done to and by younger Diego. Having done the work of introspection, Older Diego owns a healthier heart, veined in gold.
Sisters
Oil and gold on canvas
40″x 52″
Sibling relationships are among the most formative, yet our society largely overlooks the dynamic in favor of romance, parental, or friendships. For many of us, siblings are our greatest source of strength and our greatest nemesis all at once.
The power you have as a sibling is powerful and comforting. It’s also a power you will abuse because you have it at every phase of your life; when you are at your best, and worst. In those confused fires you move forward as best you can, not always knowing who you are saving, hurting, and what the next phase of the relationship will look like. But you know it’ll be there. Even if it’s as a hole.
Muffy
Oil and gold on linen
24″x 36″
Mx. X
Oil and gold on canvas
40″x 68″
This piece is a collaboration with Chicago Grafitti Artist, Dox, UEMF, UAC. “Mx. X” is a gender-neutral take on Sargent’s “Madame X” title. We have choice to express sensuality in any gender without assumption of gender.
Rouge is female-indicating. A baggy suit reflects the masculine. But wearing either is not necessarily gender-bending. Sexiness is not inherently feminine. Icons of sex and scandal John Singer Sargent and Lady Gaga are referenced in this piece. John Singer Sargent’s Madame X was originally painted with one strap down, suggesting a smoldering sensuality in his subject. This detail created a scandal—how dare the artist suggest something so lewd as feminine desire? The uproar was so extensive that the artist repainted the strap upright.
In 2018, Lady Gaga made headlines wearing a huge Marc Jacobs suit to the Elle Awards. Prior to the ceremony, she tried dress after dress. Eventually, in tears, she grabbed a huge suit off the rack. She felt instantly better. She caught tremendous backlash for choosing to deflect the sensual gaze red carpet events traditionally cater to.
The Generation
Oil and ribbon
18″x 24″
Eks
Oil and gold on linen
40″x 40″
The gold-embellished triangle behind Eks is pointing up, a symbol for masculinity. Two pillows sit on the floor in front of him representing the two breasts that have been recently removed.
Just weeks out from gender-affirming top surgery, Eks sits at first uncomfortably, unclothed for the first time to anyone who is not doctor or wife. As time passes, his posture becomes less stiff, the laughter less forced, the conversation easier. Eks begins to understand something the artists are accustom to sharing, a non-judgemental space, the idea that bodies are non-offensive. I can’t help but think that this is how the world should always work.
Artemis
Oil and gold on linen
18″x 24″
Syd
Oil on canvas
24″x 36″
Syd is tired of carrying the burdens forced upon them without the ability to adequately support the ones that should be. The burden of public land, clean water, and clean air would be a joy to labor for, but our public and protected lands such as Antelope Canyon (pictured) are being eroded by corporate greed sanctioned by the government.
Meanwhile, the burdens of gender identity are being forced upon the unwilling. Syd is often mis-gendered and feels the need to fight to be seen constantly. It’s exhausting. This carrying of Barbie Pink, the fruit of their womb being touted as their “reason for being.” They do not want children, possess the urge to nurture, or want the burden of fighting for others who share their struggle. Yet they labor on, exposed and vulnerable.
Natanya
Oil and gold on linen
18″x 24″
Stanley
Oil and gold on canvas
24″x 18″
Aura
Oil, chalk, and charcoal on canvas
18″x 24″
Sarah
Oil and Gold on linen
24”x 36”
Born in Cabrini Green, Chicago’s infamous housing project, Sarah was adopted into a suburban home just North of Chicago. She was told she was Mexican.
She wasn’t. Sarah discovered she was Chaldean.
The symbol behind Sarah, surrounding her in a golden halo is the Chaldean flag. Rather than being made from fabric, it is carved into stone – a symbol of permanence associated heavily with ancient Mexico. The markings could easily be mistaken for Mexica (Me-SHEE-ka, commonly known as Aztec) carvings. Like Sarah, this visual can pass for belonging to two groups of people 7,900 miles away from each other.
Slavery, adoption, poverty, refugee status, mental disorders, and unwed motherhood, all create broken histories across the US. How important is a lineage? What is appropriation in a world where many of us have fragile histories reaching back only a generation?
Sunny
Oil and gold on linen
40″x 40″
Contact Kate for inquiries or commissions
Prints, commissions, or original works are available for purchase.
Instagram: at Kate_Citrin