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Finding Queer Optimism in the Art of Oscar Zalameda
- Author(s):
- Alvin Alagao (see profile)
- Date:
- 2022
- Group(s):
- Cultural Studies, History of Art
- Subject(s):
- Art and history, Aesthetics, Philippines
- Item Type:
- Article
- Tag(s):
- Art history, philippine art, aesthetics, painting, affect, queer, Philippines
- Permanent URL:
- https://doi.org/10.17613/58hq-zr45
- Abstract:
- Queer theorists have traditionally advocated for the adoption of an outlook of queer pessimism in order to develop a criticality that helps the queer community effectively address the issues it presently faces. Some queer theorists, however, have instead advocated for an outlook of queer optimism—an outlook which allows space for celebrating joy and embracing optimism without forgoing the criticality needed to fight for queer rights. This paper touches on the validity of having such a disposition even in the dark times we currently live in—specifically how art can move us to embrace queer optimism. In discussing the formal techniques the queer artist Oscar Zalameda employed in his art practice, this paper aims to provide a phenomenological/hermeneutic explication of how he formed affects of queer optimism through his works. The artist's paintings continue to preserve these forces, and our encounters with them in the present give us hope. Considering the political potential of queer optimism amidst the current realities queer persons are facing in the Philippines, it is important to take a critical look at the works of Zalameda and other queer artists embracing such a disposition.
- Metadata:
- xml
- Published as:
- Journal article
- Status:
- Published
- Last Updated:
- 12 months ago
- License:
- Attribution
- Share this:
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