QUEER|ART|PRIZE 2021 RECENT WORK FINALIST

Le’Andra LeSeur: In Reverence (2021) by Le’Andra LeSeur

Moises Salazar is a non-binary multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago, Illinois. Being first generation Mexican American has cemented a conflict within Moises Salazar’s political identity, which is the conceptual focus of their practice. Whether addressing queer or immigrant bodies, their practice is tailored to showcasing the trauma, history, and barriers these people face. Reflecting on the lack of space and agency they possess. Salazar presents queer and immigrant bodies in environments where they can thrive and be safe. It is by examining the intersections of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, queerness and the United States history that Moises Salazar addresses the reality of the barriers that immigrants and queer individuals face with the intention to begin to dismantle the myths and stereotypes used to criminalize and dehumanize them. Their work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at Woaw Gallery, Salon ACME, HAIR+NAILS, the Museum of contemporary art Chicago, NADA FAIR Chicago, Kohn Gallery, the Chicago Cultural Center, and most recently at their solo exhibition at Mindy Solomon. They have participated in the ACRE residency and are a recipient of the LuminArts Visual arts Fellowship. They hold a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

puto el último (2021)

Puto El Último (2021) is an exhibition title translating to “Last one there is a fag”, shares a series of works composed of glitter on board, faux fur, and yarn, Salazar creates images that are pleasing to the eye and proudly defiant. Whether posing provocatively, or sporting a cowboy hat, there is a tenderness that envelopes each figure. The viewer craves to touch and stroke the soft surfaces, creating a metaphor for wanting to comfort the artist and somehow lessen the trauma and sadness. During this time of cultural reconciliation, the exhibition serves as a beacon of hope for everyone struggling to find their place proudly in this world.