Altered states
The new body of work from photographer Alix Smith stems from a long term interest in the stability and aura of the well-to-do. In a previous show, “Constructed Identities,” Smith took portraits of friends from the upper crust at work and at play, but there was one major problem with the result: those people weren’t gay. As a gay artist, Smith wondered “why there weren’t more representations of gay couples living ‘familiar’ day to day lives.” Familiar meaning, I suppose, straight, like the envious and straight lives of her wealthy friends. Smith’s quest for gay families living nice, good lives led her to “States of Union,” traditional portraits of homosexual couples using techniques and symbols from Old Master portraiture (a dog for loyalty). After looking at the photos, Smith seems to be closing in on the gay versions of “the role models she so craved.”
“States of Union” opening reception at the Morgan Lehman Gallery, Sept. 10, 6-8pm. Until Oct. 10.
