The newest exhibition at Grand Avenue’s Chartreuse gallery, “Identity” is an exploration of the gender spectrum focusing on those who don’t fit clearly in the gender binary.
“This work is all from my book, ‘Genderqueer.’ It’s portraits of people who identify outside the gender binary,” photographer Dave Naz said. “It sounds confusing because it is confusing. Everyone has their own identity.”
Naz is a Los Angeles native whose work has appeared in “GQ,” “Maxim,” “Stern” and “Salon.” The idea for this project was sparked when a transgender woman model reached out to work with Naz.
“They all had such interesting looks,” Naz said. “I didn’t know where I was going with it. I just knew I wanted to photograph these people, and once I talked to them, I wanted to make a documentary and add their essays to the book.”
Naz said he created the project at a good time, because he wouldn’t have been as interested in the gender spectrum if it was as in the public eye as it is now.
“Finally, our society is talking about gender identification on a broader scale,” exhibition curator Amy Young said in an email interview. “Dave’s ‘Identity’ series is an important part of that conversation. He beautifully captures an array of people who identify beyond the prevalent gender norms.”
Naz said creating this project was eye-opening because all of his subjects have different ways they want to be represented.
“In all of his work, he honors his subjects,” Young said. “He values the crucial importance of diversity and expression, and that, along with an amazing sense of color and composition, is what shines through in his work.”
Stacey Jay Cavaliere, program director of One N Ten, an organization dedicated to serving LGBT youth, said the community and its allies will come out in full force to support the exhibition.
“I’m happy there’s an event for people to share their voice,” Cavaliere said. “Most of the time this population doesn’t get a voice. My hope is that this event will raise awareness to those who aren’t involved in the trans movement. It’s our job as allies to educate others.”
Young said she’s excited for the exhibition because it’s crucial to create areas for conversation and discussion rather than marginalization.
“I want people to find the images interesting and learn something beyond them,” Naz said. “You could just enjoy the artwork for what it is too. I don’t want everybody to work, but if you decide you want to go beyond the photo or know someone who identifies in this way, you might see them in a new light.”
“Identity” opens Friday with an artist reception for Naz from 6-10 p.m. The show will also be on display on Friday, May 20 from 6-10 p.m.
Contact the reporter at kara.curtin@asu.edu
