Collection: Shae Cherie

@m4chstykive

My work delves into the complex narratives and stereotypes that have marginalized the queer community in the media throughout the years. By using the timeless medium of oil paint and the enduring tradition of realistic portraiture, I explore the numerous stereotypes and tropes associated with queerness in media, including the 'Just friends,' and 'Bury your Gays' tropes as well as the concept of 'queerbaiting', where innuendo is implied but queerness is never explicitly acknowledged. Simultaneously, I challenge and subvert conventional Western motifs and iconography in portraiture by featuring queer subjects. Through this exploration, I aim to create paintings that respond to the historical exclusion and marginalization of queer perspectives in traditional Western portraiture. At the same time, I encourage the audience to recognize the representation of queerness through the persistent use of tropes and outdated stereotypes in contemporary media today.