Mode of Program Participation
Performances and Arts
Participation Type
Performance
Presentation #1 Title
Queer Appalachia: Finding A Place in Our Community Quilt, A Visual Arts Discussion
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
2017 Appalachian Studies Association
Queer Appalachia
Art Exhibition or Artist Talk
In the following categories:
LGBTQ
Social Justice Issues
Art and Art History
By
Paul Dunlap
Associate Professor of Visual Art – Photography
University of North Georgia – Dahlonega Campus
Dahlonega, Georgia 30597
Exhibition Abstract
The exhibition/talk is a series of photographic fabric wall hangings inspired by quilt patterns. Subjects of the portraits are Queer Appalachians who were photographed in environments that they feel tie them to the land. Each wall hanging was then adorned with remnants of fabric contributed by each subject. The adornments serve to further strengthen the subject’s presence. The result is a set of life-sized portraits featuring Queer Appalachians and the portraits generally range in size from 55” wide to 85” long. My vision is to present 8-10 for the exhibition or a talk. I am including images and details of 6 for your review and I have 3 more that in progress.
The Appalachian mountains of North Georgia contain a diverse community of people who have a great love of the land, a respect for independence and a determination to not merely survive, but to thrive. We are a people steeped in a rich culture and history often overshadowed by stereotypes. The presence of a vibrant queer community, my community, may be an unexpected find among the blue haze blanketing the landscape of this ancient mountain range. But when one studies the history of those who settled this region they find a blended lineage of fiercely independent Europeans, Africans and Native Americans who hold fast to a “live and let live” philosophy.
In this light, our presence makes perfect sense. And while life is not without its struggles, we manage to plant roots among many who may misunderstand us as much as they, too, are misunderstood by outsiders. We can be found in every walk of life and occupation, proudly “out” and quietly inconspicuous, young and old, men, women or comfortably identifying as a blend of both. This body of work explores our identity in an effort to teach others and our selves of our history, place and purpose.
Images have been emailed to Emily Satterwhite per her request.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Bio
Paul Dunlap is an Associate Professor of Visual Art at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia. He has lived in the Southern Appalachia throughout his life and has been involved with the Appalachian Studies for years and served on the Local Arrangements Committee for the 2010 ASA Conference held in Dahlonega. Dunlap has shown his work throughout the Southeast and in national media outlets like CNN, AfterEllen (Ellen DeGeneres Show), The Advocate, American Life and Rolling Stone magazine.
Queer Appalachia: Finding A Place in Our Community Quilt, A Visual Arts Discussion
2017 Appalachian Studies Association
Queer Appalachia
Art Exhibition or Artist Talk
In the following categories:
LGBTQ
Social Justice Issues
Art and Art History
By
Paul Dunlap
Associate Professor of Visual Art – Photography
University of North Georgia – Dahlonega Campus
Dahlonega, Georgia 30597
Exhibition Abstract
The exhibition/talk is a series of photographic fabric wall hangings inspired by quilt patterns. Subjects of the portraits are Queer Appalachians who were photographed in environments that they feel tie them to the land. Each wall hanging was then adorned with remnants of fabric contributed by each subject. The adornments serve to further strengthen the subject’s presence. The result is a set of life-sized portraits featuring Queer Appalachians and the portraits generally range in size from 55” wide to 85” long. My vision is to present 8-10 for the exhibition or a talk. I am including images and details of 6 for your review and I have 3 more that in progress.
The Appalachian mountains of North Georgia contain a diverse community of people who have a great love of the land, a respect for independence and a determination to not merely survive, but to thrive. We are a people steeped in a rich culture and history often overshadowed by stereotypes. The presence of a vibrant queer community, my community, may be an unexpected find among the blue haze blanketing the landscape of this ancient mountain range. But when one studies the history of those who settled this region they find a blended lineage of fiercely independent Europeans, Africans and Native Americans who hold fast to a “live and let live” philosophy.
In this light, our presence makes perfect sense. And while life is not without its struggles, we manage to plant roots among many who may misunderstand us as much as they, too, are misunderstood by outsiders. We can be found in every walk of life and occupation, proudly “out” and quietly inconspicuous, young and old, men, women or comfortably identifying as a blend of both. This body of work explores our identity in an effort to teach others and our selves of our history, place and purpose.
Images have been emailed to Emily Satterwhite per her request.
