Rubbish Sex
Exhibition + Artist talks and disscussion took place at Stryx JQ on 07062024.
“RUBBISH SEX” An artistic intervention exploring the intersection of Queerness and pollution.
The project begins as a performative intervention where anonymous queer and allied individuals don camp, space litter-picker costumes, embarking on a mission to clear up litter at local cruising sites. Shrouded in anonymity, this not only addresses the immediate issue of litter but also serves as a symbolic act, challenging societal norms, and addressing the environmental consequences of traditional queer spaces.
The aftermath of the performance takes the form of a citywide exhibition. Images of the collected litter are to be printed on a large scale and displayed on prominent landmarks around the city center such as the library and town hall.
This public exhibition becomes a visual reminder, dissuading individuals from littering, and engages the audience in a conversation about environmental responsibility and the challenges faced by the queer community.
The Library of Birmingham
Town Hall
By shedding light on the overlapping problems of our environmental impact and Queer spaces, “RUBBISH SEX” serves as a catalyst for crucial conversations. It invites audiences to contemplate the societal structures that contribute to these challenges, sparking discussions on the need for inclusivity and environmental mindfulness. The project becomes a forum for dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the intersection of queerness and environmental concerns. It allows space for questions about how these impacts are often a result of a cis-heteronormative society, pushing queer individuals to pursue activities in unconventional spaces. The project aims to unravel the layers of this by bringing forth a nuanced exploration of the relationships between societal expectations, queer expression, and environmental responsibility.
The initial performance becomes a symbolic expression. The citywide exhibition, stands as a public statement urging reflection on personal actions and societal norms.
Artist commission + presentation, SCHEMARUIM, Stryx JQ - Birmingham, June.
