The exhibition “Transitional States: Hormones at the Crossroads of Art and Science” presents the work of 14 artists and collectives who explore topics related to hormones. It raises crucial questions about how society influences and regulates gender identity, and looks closely at the way in which developments in medicine have impacted our lives.
Among the artists are those who offer unique insights into how hormone use has changed their lives, taking the viewer on their own emotional journey as they use hormones to help their body match their gender identity. Others show the effect hormone use can have on emotions, sensations, and sexual desire. Finally, a range of artists explore how contemporary society has medicalised women’s bodies through the use of hormones in relation to birth control, menopause and ageing.
The exhibition features established and emerging artists from countries including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Brazil, Columbia, France, Italy, Japan, Sweden, UK, Uruguay and the USA. The videos use a variety of artistic techniques in their production, including 3D animation, stop motion, and infrared video, and use a range of formats such as performance for the camera, music video, documentary, TV show and online feeds.
An international and independent jury composed of Carlos Motta (artist, New York), Lois Keidan (Live Art Development Agency, London), Dr Laura Leuzzi (University of Dundee) and Issey Osman (producer, London) selected participants following a world-wide open call.
After Lincoln, Transitional States will visit London (Peltz Gallery), Barcelona (Centre Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, CCCB), Spain, and Bologna (LABS Gallery Arte Contemporanea), Italy throughout 2018.
Transitional States has been developed and is led by Dr Chiara Beccalossi (University of Lincoln). The video art exhibition has been curated by Giulia Casalini and Diana Georgiou (Arts Feminism Queer).
Participating artists:
Camila Levy Daniel, Leyla de la Hoz and Pedro Giacomolli / Gérard Chauvin and Lanah Shaï / Fox and Owl / Holly Slingsby / Immaginare T / Jennie Pedley / Juliet Jacques and Ker Wallwork / Marianna Simnett / Marne Lucas aka CuntemporaryArtist / Mary Maggic, Mango Chijo Tree and The Jayder / Orlando Myxx / Raju Rage / Sarah Homewood / Zaya Barroso.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS: Lincoln
Thursday 1 February 2018, Project Space Plus Gallery, 5.30pm
Private viewing and official opening of the Transitional States video art exhibition.
Thursday 8 February 2018, Jackson Lecture Theatre, 6-8pm
From Silence of the Lambs to Orange is the New Black: Changing Representations of Trans People
In 1991, the public was terrorised by the image of a supposedly trans-identifying serial killer in Silence of the Lambs. Their subsequent demise at the hands of the movie’s heroine saw the defeat of a much reviled character who was at odds with the experiences and representations of the trans community.
For many years, the media, films and culture at large were characterised by a lack of positive representations of trans women and trans men.
Yet as the 2010s began, trans people entered the mainstream media in a more positive light, especially with the launch of television series such as Orange is the New Black, Transparent and Boy Meets Girl.
This public discussion focuses on the representations of trans and gender diverse people in media, films and culture and will look at what has changed – and what has not – when it comes to their representation within mainstream media.
Moderator:
• Dr Chris O’Rourke (University of Lincoln)
Speakers:
• Fox (artist, film maker and trans activist)
• Paris Lees (writer and broadcaster)
•
Owl (artist and non-binary trans activist)
• Rebecca Root (actress)
Thursday 15 February 2018, Jackson Lecture Theatre, 6-8pm
Sex, Science and the Body: Medicine and LGBTIQ People
Throughout much of history, sexual behaviours like homosexuality were predominantly regulated by religious concerns. However, this changed in the nineteenth century when medicine took an increasing interest in what they termed ‘sexual deviancies’.
Perhaps the most famous example of a medical intervention around sexual behaviours is that of the famous World War II code-breaker, Alan Turing, who endured ‘medical treatment’ because of his homosexuality.
This public discussion will look at how science and medicine has treated homosexuals, medical views of trans people, and current debates about ‘gender dysphoria’. Finally, it will offer some thoughts on the ongoing debates about hormone treatments and surgery without consent on intersex individuals and offer some thoughts on changes for the future.
Moderator:
• Simon Fanshawe (broadcaster and writer)
Speakers:
• Dr David A. Griffiths (University of Surrey)
• Dr Christina Richards (MSC DCPsychol MBACP Accred.)
• Dr Janet Weston (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine).
Thursday 22 February 2018, Jackson Lecture Theatre, 6-8pm
Girls Gone Wild: Women Use Hormones to Take Control?
Are women controlled by their hormones or do they control them? Or is it neither? Have pharmaceutical companies developed a multi-billion pound industry out of convincing women that hormones are something they can control? If there is such a thing as control, how is this gained and maintained? And what impact can and will new technologies have on these kinds of treatments?
All of these questions will be raised and addressed as we begin our discussion by presenting the works of two artists from the Transitional States exhibition. We will then welcome historians of medicine and sexuality who will offer differing perspectives on the use of hormones throughout recent history.
This discussion will address topics such as the history of the contraceptive pill, IVF and the introduction of new medical technologies, with a specific focus on whether such technologies have changed women’s sexual behaviour.
Moderator:
• Professor Krista Cowman
Speakers:
• Dr Hera Cook (University of Otago)
• Dr Alana Harris (King’s College London)
• Sara Homewood (artist)
• Holly Slingsby (artist)
NOTE: Each of the public discussions is open to anyone and there is no cost to attend. There is no need to reserve a seat.
More info about the exhibition and programme: http://transitionalstates.com
FB Lincoln event: https://www.facebook.com/events/806894259514536/
Engage at:
Twitter.com/TransitionalSt
Facebook.com/TransitionalSt
Funded by
Supported by
