Spectrum

Author/Artist Name

Archie HardestyFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Senior

Date of Creation

Spring 4-23-2021

Artist Statement

Through research I have explored what exactly speaks to queer audiences and can also be embraced by non-queer audiences. In this exhibition and accompanying magazine, I want to create a queer magazine that intersects feminine and masculine gender performance, specifically how the two performances can live within one person. Creating colorful and dynamic shapes and pieces in this magazine is key. The viewer should feel engaged looking at the layouts this presents, but also feel informed and educated as they read it.

Spectrum is meant for those who relate to queer life, but also for those who are wanting to learn more about this community. The fonts and colors are used to create a modern yet refined feel to the magazine. The color palette stems from wanting to be professional, with moments of high upbeat energy. Employing cyan and reds which play into gender stereotypes to create the intersection between masculine and feminine. When creating the layout and background for this magazine, no rectangles are used for shapes other than text and photography. By doing this, the intent is to create a sense of breaking out and being different from other magazines and what norms have been set. Triangles and circles have connotations to gender and sex, both having the ability to be masculine and feminine depending on the location and use of the shapes. Editorial photography reinforces the articles of the section. The photography has a sense of fashion photography to it but will allow the viewer to perceive the intersections of gender through clothing and stance. The life and energy the models and designs exude should encapsulate the viewer to recognizing that queer individuals exist outside of the stereotypes that are placed on us.

Inspired by both Ben J. Crick and Raine Bascos, I want Spectrum to exist in a place where queer can live freely. These designers create bold and energetic designs to keep their pieces youthful and modern. Those ideas and designs are the kind that can make this happen. It should be a visual playground in which these ideas can wander and be freely discussed. This work exudes dynamism and life to make it live alongside in this contemporary setting. Being queer is one of the best aspects of my life and it is only right for me to discuss other apects of this community outside of what the media provides. It deserves to be in a contemporary spotlight.

Advisor/Mentor

Jim Bryant; Mike Martin; Antje Gamble; Sarah Martin

Description

In creating Spectrum, I wanted to create an environment in which queer can live freely. I wanted Spectrum to reach all aspects of the queer community. The magazine lives one the ideas of triangles, circles, and rounded edges in order to create a softness when trying to relearn what the LGBT community is about. I really wanted to make the images feel modern and chic creating the ideas of fashion within this magazine and posters.

The large five foot posters are within the exhibition to be confrontational and force the viewer to come face to face with what the queer community is and not the stereotypes we are usually faced with. The primary colors reinforce the ideas of going back to basics to relearn these ideas.

Photo Credit

Archie Hardesty

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Hardesty, Archie, "Spectrum" (2021). B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498). 72.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art498/72