Between Visibility and Elsewhere: Queer Artists’ Language of Resistance
Queer art often challenges heteronormative norms by depicting diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Between Visibility and Elsewhere: Queer Artists Create a Language of Resistance, disrupting dominant narratives for the queer community.
Art can serve as a powerful tool for political activism. Artists create works that advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and social justice. They engage in public discourse, spark conversations, and push for systemic change through their creative expressions.
The work of Keith Haring, an iconic artist whose bold and vibrant imagery addressed LGBTQIA+ rights, AIDS activism, and social justice. The film “Paris is Burning,” a documentary that explores the vibrant ballroom culture of queer and trans people of color in 1980s New York City, highlighting their resistance and creativity. And the performances of queer drag artists like RuPaul, who use drag as a form of resistance and celebration, challenging gender binaries and societal expectations. These are just some examples of queer activism through art. Let’s now meet these two queer Filipino artists in music and visual art, who do the same thing.
Ginoe, Visual Artist
There’s something striking about giving others a slice of yourself. The liberty it gives is unmatched, despite the possible unwanted remarks. . Nakedness in art is an empowering element. Especially when you know that you can own it—no matter how much it twists and turns.
Ginoe is from Silay, Negros Occidental. He’s a visual artist, programming director and community manager at the House of Frida.
Ginoe stated that some of his art explored the importance of depictions of queer bodies occupying spaces. There isn’t a lot of safe spaces for queer folk especially in this predominantly Catholic nation. His artwork attempts to reclaim these places, asserting the validity of his existence. The works also depict himself in places of trauma and rejection—the church, school, playground, and the Scripture.
At least, I hope some queer kid out there sees my work and says “Yeah… he gets it.” As a young queer artist, I’ve struggled with looking for artists to look up to, especially where I do my practice.
(Ginoe, 2019 Interview from Scout Magazine)
Through empowering and subversive imagery, Ginoe critique oppressive systems and provoke critical thinking. Ginoe believes in the power of art as a queer cultural resistance.
Pette Shabu, Queer Musician
Listening with Pette’s discography feels like stepping into a funhouse of sonic surprises. Her soundscapes and lyricism stand out like a neon sign in the darkness of landscape filled with formulaic hooks and generic beats. She produces music that’s unapologetic, defiant and gives rebellious energy.
But beneath the experimental tunes and edgy wordplay lie deeper layers of substance—a fearless exploration of topics that often make other people uncomfortable. Her songs act as a vessel for her rage and frustrations as a transgender. Pette balances her craft with entertainment without trivializing the subjects at hand.
Since the genesis of life, trans people have been the intersection of all things great—protectors of spiritual life and wisdom.
(Pette Shabu, 2023 Interview from Scout Magazine)
She isn’t one to shy away form controversial matters, instead uses her art as platform to advance the LGBTQIA+ rights. Her unfiltered honesty and unconventional production choice speaks her sentiments on the SOGIE Bill discourse, and her hopes for the future representation of queer creatives in the industry.
