Emily Quinn
My work examines stereotypical masculinity using humor, mystery, and absurdity to critique male preoccupation with sex, objectification of women, and exhibitionism. The painting, Dog Spit in Space, uses symbolism and the language of Photoshop to refer to ejaculation, while Man Camp is a folkloric representation of men policing each other’s masculinity. Working loosely from my experiences, memories, and family history, I create narratives that exist in the nexus between fantasy and reality.
I grew up in Alabama, where the tradition of storytelling is alive and well in the daily rehashing of life’s tragedy and comedy. Just as a story is exaggerated over time, my work becomes less biographical with each edit. Beginning with family photographs and stories, I edit them until the original content is transformed. Through this process, I am able to emphasize what is often left unsaid and reclaim ownership over my fears and identity as a Southern woman.