My Body (to hold) | Beck Stanbra

Jul 2, 20241 min read

Showing July 1 - July 8, 2024

"My Body (to hold), is a collection by Beck Stanbra depicting the intimate mental and bodily experiences of queer life. With ranging imagery through the use of printmaking, painting, drawing, and photography, this exhibition provokes us to consider the fears, joys, and intimate moments of being queer and transgender. The works in this exhibition lead theviewer through the artist challenging gender and political norms, beginning medical transition, experiencing queer love and domesticity and facing the hopes and fears of approaching surgery. Queer media representation has been something that has always fallen flat for Beck: typically focusing on ideas of coming out, struggles with unacceptance, death, and sexualization. These works attempt to challenge these representations, creating a visible space for queerdomesticity, hopes and fears, vulnerability, and beauty."

About the Artist

Beck Stanbra (he/they) is an interdisciplinary artist based in Guelph, Ontario. Entering his final year as a Studio Art major at the university of Guelph, he uses his art both as an expression of his life, and to makeconnections within the local community of Guelph. As an artist, Beck considers how to create a reflection of the everyday feelings and worries of queer youth, while showcasing the transgender body as a subject of beauty. He findsjoy in making both political commentary on the challenges faced by the LGBT+ community, while creating a space where the intimate, domestic moments of queer life are celebrated. Although printmaking is his preferred medium, they enjoy finding newways to express themselves through photography, drawing, painting, and more experimental works, seeking to continually push boundaries with his use of material.

Featured Work

“Keyhole”

Dimensions: 30” x 24”

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Year: 2023

“Double Incision”

Dimensions: 24” x 30”

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Year: 2023

“Saying Goodbye (Holding Hope)”

Dimensions: 20” x 13” x 5”

Medium: Acrylic on Pillow