By Nii B. Andrews
Kyle Meyer’s woven photographic pieces were on display at the booth of the New York City based Yossi Milo Gallery.
In the series titled, INTERWOVEN, Meyer addresses the status of LGBT persons in Africa’s officially hypermasculine and restrictive environment.
Meyer had each of his models select a piece of fabric.
The artist next created unique headwraps for each model from the chosen fabrics before photographing them.
He then hand-shred each resulting portrait and wrap, weaving them together to create a three-dimensional work that both conceals and reveals the subject’s identity.
The printed photos are woven through with fabric to hide the identity of the models.
Thus the individuals are hidden behind the fabric of society!
Kyle has in the pieces achieved a synthesis of subject, matter and process.
The art pieces pose serious questions about the LGBT community all over the world and especially in Africa.
Are we ready to acknowledge their presence among us? Would we rather that they conceal their identity?
When – if at all, should they reveal their identity?
Are the loudest and most negative utterances about them based on an accurate reading of Africa’s traditions, history and universal humanistic principles?
Meyer has stated emphatically, “But ultimately for me, beauty is in the men hidden behind the fabric, living their truth and actually having the courage to pose for the photographs”
Do you disagree with Meyer?
These portraits are beautifully done – I like how they reveal yet hide the subject!
Well, In a community where people dismiss others for “sinning” differently, the LGBT community will really struggle to find any form of acceptance.