C.s.a. Gallery (Press, 23 August 1988)

“Homosexual — Beyond four straight sides” is an exhibition at the C.S.A. Gallery in Christchurch featuring artists Paul Johns, Trevor Fry, Paul Rayner, and Grant Lingard, running until September 4, 1988. The review by Pat Unger reflects on the current trend of provocative orifice art in the city, linking it to earlier works by various artists and highlighting the evolving interpretation of shapes in art as biological or sexual symbols. The exhibition seeks to reduce public hostility towards the gay community by showcasing the individual approaches of the participating artists. However, the review notes that the exhibition largely relies on shock value, with some pieces possibly pushing beyond the boundaries of accepted aesthetic standards. Traditionally, artists have acted as critics of society, and Unger argues that it is better for them to continue provoking reactions rather than conform to more conventional or soothing art forms. Grant Lingard’s works are praised for their visual clarity and restraint, using colour-coded frames to enhance the presentation of his line cartoons that reflect homosexual life. He employs black for seriousness, red for intensity, and pastels for softness, with pieces like “Hang Up” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor” offering commentary on attraction and choice. In contrast, Trevor Fry's artwork is described as urgent and raw, portraying male figures in a manner reflecting the madonna-prostitute dichotomy through earthy colours and crude representations. His pieces convey both brutality and divinity, aiming for a visceral impact. Paul Johns presents a photographic essay that captures the expressions of sexual partners, while Paul Rayner's work takes a more controversial turn. His acrylic paintings parody the style of late artist Philip Clairmont with garish colours and exaggerated imagery that mixes themes of sexuality and mortality, reflecting a critique of societal norms. His flashy approach aims to address the A.I.D.S. crisis while also promoting a philosophy of living life to the fullest. Overall, “Homosexual — Beyond four straight sides” serves to challenge perceptions and illuminate the experiences of the gay community, encouraging viewers to reevaluate their understandings and reactions to the subject matter presented. The exhibition is intended to put a face on what is often seen as anonymous, and it invites audiences to engage with its provocative content.

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