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Scott Wistinghausen

Another Pansy | 40″ x 40″ | Oil on Canvas | 2021

 

Artist Statement 

My work stems from a profound feeling of inadequacy. My insecurity has made me question my identity, self-worth, and authenticity. At times I feel I have no individual choice and only a set of expectations to meet. Despite all of the progress I have made, I am still exposed to toxic masculinity time and time again. 
Toxic masculinity can be identified by deliberate actions that are intended to assert dominance and reaffirm a person’s control. Masculinity is not a biological trait; masculinity is a social construct that all human beings can perform. Performative masculinity manifests itself through emotional detachment, compensation, and the emasculation of others. I believe our culture has institutionalized toxic masculinity by way of the patriarchy, systemic bigotry, and the rape culture we live in. My work aims to bring light to my criticisms and concerns regarding toxic masculinity. I strategically use imagery of men and women to challenge and reaffirm our inherent bias towards gender and sexuality. My goal is to inform and encourage people to realize they have individual choice and no one is welded to a binary. I believe that we must learn to recognize and acknowledge the shortcomings of our own character so that we as individuals can promote cultural change. 

Artist Website + Social Media:
Instagram @scottWistinghausen

MR/QD Is Made Possible BY

Artists stipends made possible by Kresge Arts in Detroit

For details and more info on making a contribution to Mighty Real/Queer Detroit, please contact us at info@mrqd.org

About MR/QD

Mighty Real/Queer Detroit is an art exhibition in June 2022 devoted to 77 years (1945-2022) of Detroit LGBTQ+ art 

The exhibition presents a month-long historical examination of the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and its longtime allies, featuring established & emerging Detroit artists, as well as artists whose careers were shortened by HIV/AIDS.

Mighty Real/Queer Detroit is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to promoting positive and meaningful images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through artistic and intellectual means. © 2023. All Rights Reserved.