Veronica Barboza's blog posts

Queer Design: Cherry Grove: By Veronica Barboza Cherry Grove is a small community on Fire Island and has long been a haven for LGBTQ individuals, particularly lesbians and gays, seeking refuge from the constraints of mainstream society. Established in the early 20th century, Cherry Grove developed into a vibrant and inclusive community where individuals could freely express their sexuality and identity. Even Andy Warhol referenced Fire Island in his 1965 film My Hustler. The impact of Cherry Grove on queer design is profound. The community's emphasis on acceptance and self-expression has influenced the development of aesthetics, characterized by boldness, vibrancy, and a celebration of diversity. Queer Design: The Dorian House: By Veronica Barboza The Dorian House in Seattle, a significant part of queer America's past, played a crucial role in creating a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ individuals during a time of widespread discrimination and prejudice. Founded in the 1970s, the Dorian House provided a haven where queer individuals could gather, socialize, and find support. In addition to offering a safe space, the Dorian House was also instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ rights and raising awareness about issues affecting the community. Its impact extended beyond Seattle, inspiring similar initiatives across the country and contributing to the growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals in American society. Queer Design: 60’s Lesbian Cinema: Posted by Veronica Barboza The Children's Hour (1961) is based on the play of the same name by Lillian Hellman. The film was a groundbreaking work that left a lasting impact on cinema and queer history. The film, directed by William Wyler, starred Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine as two teachers falsely accused of being lesbians. At the time of its release, The Children's Hour was controversial for its portrayal of lesbianism, a subject largely taboo in mainstream cinema. The film's exploration of themes such as homophobia and discrimination challenged societal norms and sparked discussions about LGBTQ representation in film. The Children's Hour is considered a part of queer history because it was one of the first mainstream films to depict a lesbian relationship in a serious and empathetic manner. Despite the controversy surrounding its release, the film helped to humanize LGBTQ characters on screen and paved the way for greater representation of queer stories in cinema. Food For Thought: Barbara Hammer’s Lesbians in Cyberspace: Posted By Veronica Barboza Food For Thought: Keith Haring “Once Upon a Time” at the LGBT Center: Posted By Veronica Barboza Food For Thought: Nan Goldin LGBTQ Works: Posted By Veronica Barboza Food For Thought: Thinking About Andy Warhold: Posted By Veronica Barboza Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat's art exhibit, which took place in the 1980s, was a groundbreaking collaboration between two iconic artists from different generations and backgrounds. Their exhibit featured a series of collaborative paintings that merged Warhol's pop art sensibilities with Basquiat's raw, graffiti-inspired style. The partnership between the two artists was not only a meeting of artistic minds but also a reflection of their friendship and mutual admiration. The exhibit challenged traditional notions of art and creativity, blending high and low culture in a way that was both innovative and thought-provoking. Food For Thought: Thinking About Andy Warhol’s Sleep: Posted By Veronica Barboza Andy Warhol's first film, "Sleep," created in 1963, is a landmark in experimental cinema. The film's premise is deceptively simple: it depicts Warhol's friend and lover, poet John Giorno, sleeping for over five hours. Through this seemingly mundane subject, Warhol explores the concept of duration and the passage of time in a way that was radical for its time. The film's slow pace and static composition challenged conventional narrative structures and forced viewers to confront their own perceptions of time and boredom. "Sleep" also reflects Warhol's fascination with celebrity and voyeurism, as well as his interest in blurring the boundaries between art and everyday life. Despite its initial divisive reception, "Sleep" is now regarded as a pioneering work of avant-garde cinema and a key piece in Warhol's body of work. Food For Thought: Mickalene Thomas: Posted By Veronica Barboza Mickalene Thomas is a prominent queer artist based in New York City known for her bold and vibrant mixed-media artworks that explore themes of race, gender, sexuality, and identity. Her work often features dazzling patterns, rhinestones, and bold colors, creating visually striking compositions that challenge traditional notions of beauty and representation. Thomas is also known for her reimagining of art historical tropes, often featuring black women in poses reminiscent of classical art but with a contemporary twist. In addition to her artistic practice, Thomas is also a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights and visibility, using her platform to raise awareness about issues affecting the queer community. Through her art and activism, Mickalene Thomas has made a significant impact on the contemporary art world, challenging viewers to rethink their assumptions about gender, race, and sexuality. Food For Thought: Lady Gaga As First Gay Icon to Appear in Fortnite: Posted By Veronica Barboza https://www.intomore.com/culture/icons/lady-gagas-appearance-in-fortnite-has-gay-icons-picking-up-the-game/ Food For Thought: Cubbyhole Bar’s AIDS Walk Fundraiser: Posted By Veronica Barboza Taking place on March 2nd- A well known Lesbian bar in New York City is hosting their annual AIDS fundraiser with “Team Drinking for a Dream.” Cubbyhold Bar often hosts a wide range of activities that are heavily catered to the interests of the Lesbian community here in NYC. Here are some of their upcoming events that may be an opportunity to meet like minded queer individuals in an authentic safe space as well as an interactive setting! Food For Thought: Hunter Schafer Arrested at Pro-Palestinian Protest at Biden’s Talk Show Appearance with Seth Meyers: Posted By Veronica Barboza