Toronto artist James Fowler always found the queer programming at the Art Gallery of Ontario lacking, and that’s one of the reasons he’s launching 10x10, a photo exhibit that will include portraits of 100 queer artists shot by 10 LGBT photographers, on June 27 at White House Studio Project in Kensington Market. Fowler has made a name for himself painting landscapes that blend cartography with geometric abstraction. For this show, he wanted to bring awareness to “unsung heroes” of the Toronto LGBT arts community, urging photographers to capture their favourite subjects, from behind-the-scenes administrators to scene queens. See who will be getting a portrait taken, event info and a gallery highlighting early work from this edition’s 10x10 photographers after the jump.
Although the list of confirmed portraits is not yet finalized, we do know that up-and-coming lens wiz David Pike is in session with bearded wonder and General Idea co-founder AA Bronson. Other queer icons on the call sheet include Xtra magazine’s veteran editor-in-chief Brandon Matheson (who’s held the post for 18 years), filmmaker Bruce LaBruce, Carole Pope, Tommy Smythe and Kids In The Hall alum Paul Bellini. Photographers have been given carte blanche, so we’re expecting to be shocked by Inked Kenny, the city’s king of homoeroticism, and G. Elliot Simpson, best known for dressing up one of his subjects as Gaga acolyte Rick ‘Rico’ Genest. With the addition of more places to stop besides the traditional beer tents, 10x10 is gearing up to be the alternative to ending up like this on Pride weekend.
10x10, June 27 to July 7, White House Studio Project, 277.5 Augusta Ave, 10x10toronto.wordpress.com
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