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York Art Gallery

39 replies

Cucumbersa1ad · 12/09/2022 11:29

I need a rant. I've just had a lovely anniversary weekend in York, but my experience of York Art Gallery and their "queered" permanent exhibition space has got me well and truly riled. It's so bloody contrived. I'd love it if they told the stories of gay artists - they have done this a little bit, but the casual bandying around of the word "queer" makes me so uncomfortable as the sister of an older gay man. The term being used offensively is not that far off in the past to people my age and older. This is accompanied by numerous somewhat patronising texts explaining why they use this word and how it's nothing to worry about these days because it's been reclaimed. Hmm, OK then.

What really pissed me off, though, was an exhibition text label next to a painting of St Agatha (who, for those that don't know, was tortured and had her breasts removed) written by a young transman describing how recognised this makes them feel and how it chimes with their own liberating experience of first wearing a binder, even though it really hurt their ribs. I mean, wtaf???!!! How is this OK? On every level - from the analysis of the painting to the celebration of painful ribs - this is so, so offensive to me as a woman.

I noticed they mentioned comments cards but none were to be found. I'm deeply ashamed to say that I'm too scared to contact them online with my views because it will necessarily have to include my contact details, and I work in a tangentially rated field (god I thought it was woke where I work but this is another level).

Well, phew. That was cathartic if nothing else.

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GCAcademic · 12/09/2022 13:55

RoyalCorgi · 12/09/2022 11:44

The Sunday Times had an interview with Mel C yesterday where she said that although she had only ever had sexual relationships with men, she embraced "queer" as an identity.

No idea what she meant.

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It means she’s desperate to be cool, relevant and ever-so-special.

ArabellaScott · 12/09/2022 13:46

Yes, very good point, WhereYouLeftIt.

WhereYouLeftIt · 12/09/2022 12:14

"This is accompanied by numerous somewhat patronising texts explaining why they use this word and how it's nothing to worry about these days because it's been reclaimed."
But it hasn't actually been reclaimed, has it? That would involve the people who were slurred by it. Only they can reclaim it. Only they can de-fang the word. And those people are the gay men who were sneered at and queer-bashed and were mentally besieged by those who spat this word at them. Some of those gay men may indeed have bravely reclaimed it, but they are a small number compared to the many self-congratulatory arrogant little toads who call themselves queer as a fashion statement.

What it has been, is CLAIMED. Claimed for the very first time, because the people who say they have reclaimed the word have never had it thrown at them as a term of abuse. And that's why the word has no power to them, and why they can use it so casually, and so disrespectfully.

ArabellaScott · 12/09/2022 11:47

It's always so utterly facile and smug, Mangy. I'm with you.

Original poster
Cucumbersa1ad · 12/09/2022 11:47

It isn't going to be 'inclusive and welcoming' for anyone who still hears the word as a slur. Is it up to the York Art Gallery to decide how people feel about this word?

Well, quite @ArabellaScott (ps my previous reply was in response to your other post, apologies if not clear).

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MangyInseam · 12/09/2022 11:47

Gosh I hate this kind of modern commentary in art galleries. I want to look at the pictures, I don't give a shit how some random modern person feels they they relate.

It's inappropriate whether they use the word queer or not.

Original poster
Cucumbersa1ad · 12/09/2022 11:45

I get that. I still don't like it. I suppose in addition to its past use as a slur (and I question whether it really is in the past tbh) I object to the way it's seemingly used to lump together gender identity and sexuality, which to my mind are very different things.

Anyway, I guess that's a separate discussion. The thing that pissed me off most was the St Agatha thing.

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RoyalCorgi · 12/09/2022 11:44

ArabellaScott · 12/09/2022 11:41

www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/queering-the-burton/

'Queer' isn't just to do with being gay, OP. It's a political ideology and a philosophical ... I'm going to say method, though I'm not expert.

The Sunday Times had an interview with Mel C yesterday where she said that although she had only ever had sexual relationships with men, she embraced "queer" as an identity.

No idea what she meant.

ArabellaScott · 12/09/2022 11:43

Also, you can feedback by letter. Address here.

www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/contact-us/comments-and-feedback/

ArabellaScott · 12/09/2022 11:42

'‘Queering the Burton’ at York Art Gallery supports York Museum Trusts ambition to make the Gallery an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. Historically, the term Queer has had a number of meanings. Our use of the word Queer is a positive affirmation. Here, we are de-weaponising what was once a slur, and reclaiming Queer as a collective term to represent sexual and gender minorities.'

It isn't going to be 'inclusive and welcoming' for anyone who still hears the word as a slur. Is it up to the York Art Gallery to decide how people feel about this word?

ArabellaScott · 12/09/2022 11:41

www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/queering-the-burton/

'Queer' isn't just to do with being gay, OP. It's a political ideology and a philosophical ... I'm going to say method, though I'm not expert.

Original poster
Cucumbersa1ad · 12/09/2022 11:40

He doesn't like it, neither does his dh. I'm aware that it's possibly not my place to be annoyed by it, as I'm not gay. But those are two voices from the LGB community who, it seems, everyone and his dog now claims to speak for.

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DameHelena · 12/09/2022 11:39

PS meant to say, could you write an anonymous comments card of your own (on a postcard or similar) and post it in?

DameHelena · 12/09/2022 11:38

I'm not sure I share your feelings about the word 'queer', although I totally get why you feel patronised by the explanations of why they use the word and how it's nothing to worry about. May I ask, out of interest, how your brother feels about the word?

The St Agatha thing would piss me off as much as it did you. A total misunderstanding (wilful or otherwise) of the context her story originated in and, IMO, an act of appropriation. It makes me think of the current discussion about the non-binary Joan of Arc play, which similarly (IMO) seeks to downplay or erase the fact that she was persecuted and exploited specifically because she was a woman.