This forum will explore extremes of gender and sexuality in contemporary art, and the representation and construction of femininity and masculinity within contemporary culture more broadly. In the age of digital representation, what are the new tools for the construction of gender and sexual identity, and what new possibilities are emerging? The speakers will discuss their creative strategies, which often draw on cliché and stereotype to present decidedly ‘inappropriate’ and ‘unconventional’ takes on gender and sexuality.
Supporters: Ian Potter Foundation, 1000 £ Bend, Sofitel
Artist/s:
Rinske Ginsberg (Chair),
Zahra Stardust,
Max Attitude,
Eric Bridgeman,
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About the artist/s:
Speakers
Rinske Ginsberg is a physical performer, teacher and theatre maker with over 30 years experience in the arts industry in Australia. Rinske was an early pioneer of improvisational trapeze and has taught extensively at various universities, institutions and theatre companies. Ginsberg has produced, co-ordinated, programmed and chaired arts events for numerous festivals and organisations including: The Melbourne Fringe Festival, The Green Room Alternative Hybrid and The Arts House Reference Panel. Rinske’s most recent performance works have been driven by a fascination with urban crime, particularly crimes against women and an abiding interest in the causal manifestations of male and female rage.
Zahra Stardust is a pole dancer, trapeze artist, burlesque performer and fire twirler intent on spreading love around the world from upside down. Zahra is a lover of all things subversive, circus and theatrical. She has received many awards, won championships, leant her voice to many political issues and has written articles for major publications. Zahra has seduced audiences locally and internationally and is currently writing her Masters thesis in Gender Studies on political activism, gender subversion and feminism in erotic performance. With an unashamed penchant for the kooky and bizarre, she loves promoting alternative and autonomous portrayals of women’s fantastic multiplicity and diversity onstage.
Max Attitude is a social commentator & cultural analyst. He studied Critical Theory and Gender Studies at Monash University and writes the queer t-boi blog What’s Queer Here? at maxattitude.wordpress.com
Eric Bridgeman was born in Brisbane with heritage from the Chimbu Province in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Issues of race, gender, and sexuality are central to his works which range from photography, video, performance, installation and painting. In 2010, Bridgeman’s appearances will include the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, as well as exhibitions at Gallery 4A Sydney; the 2010 Next Wave Festival, Melbourne; and the Basil Sellers Ian Potter Art Prize, Melbourne.
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