In ‘Altars we built ourselves,’ I explore the introspection and contemplation of gender often experienced by transgender and nonbinary individuals, with emphasis on these feelings and expressions not always aligning in a traditional way. With this show, I hope to give a window into my inner context to people who may not fully grasp the concept of transgender and nonbinary gender experiences, as well as a mirror to those who do. My work with both the figure and the portrait represents these freedoms in expressing oneself without the constricting ideals placed upon sex- and by using figure to subvert these gendered expectations it creates a space where people may be able to understand how unique experiences with gender can exist removed from the binary. Challenging the ideas of male and female; as well as what I like to refer to as the ‘void’ of gender expression. Exploring the relationships between sex and gender; and therefore gender and society- how upon birth we are placed into these boxes; and to challenge them is usurping the deepest and ‘first’ societal ideal we learn as human beings. Subverting them as a reference to revolutionary ideas, pushing against the binary of a wider scope of ideals. By utilizing these artistic references from Byzantine-era painting, I am fusing the identity of queer individuals into a long tapestry of symbolism. Using this as a vehicle of expression- to help center the ideas I am communicating to my audience- it unravels the deeper meaning of my work while at the same time challenging the institution of religion itself by reducing it to its most basic form. 

- Jay Harris