As the age-old saying goes, one person’s director-signed Paris is Burning (1990) film poster is another artist’s future Queer|Art|Mentorship stipend.
Well, maybe that’s not verbatim, but it’s certainly true! The New York City-based nonprofit Queer|Art (QA) has launched its second annual auction exhibition of iconic LGBTQIA+ art and memorabilia in conjunction with the organization’s Fire Island-based, transfem-powered fund-rager, Doll Invasion.
On view at Participant Inc. and Salma Sarriedine galleries on Elizabeth Street through Sunday, August 30, the exhibition consists of dozens of donated artworks, wearables, archival media, experiences, and collectibles that embody the queer canon. If you’re one of the lucky ducks who’ll be partying it up this coming weekend at Doll Invasion, you can still place bids online through Thursday, September 3.
The auction’s proceeds will benefit the Queer|Art|Mentorship (QAM) program, which partners established LGBTQIA+ artists with emerging artists for 10 months of 1:1 artistic and professional development. QAM culminates in a week-long retreat and offers a $2,500 stipend to participating artists.
The exhibition organizers described the offerings as “spanning generations, geographies, disciplines, and styles; existing on a vast spectrum of (ir)reverence, ephemerality, and broad (sub)cultural recognition.”
Aside from the coveted Paris is Burning film poster, other objects include two original drawings by Tony Award-winning non-binary actor Cole Escola; five signed vinyl editions of Chappell Roan’s debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023); transfem fashion photographer Lia Clay’s dazzling portrait of Amanda Lepore; a sculptural self-portrait by Young Joon Kwak; and trans Hawaiian drag performer Sasha Colby’s makau (fish hook) from her entrance look on the 15th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race (2023).
Several artists and cultural figures have donated experiences to the benefit auction as well: tattoo and performance artist Mars Hobrecker has offered a flash tattoo; astrologer Chani Nicholas has donated a one-hour reading; New York City Council member Tiffany Cabán will provide a curated reading list; and transgressive queer icon Peaches has promised two concert tickets and a meet-and-greet at select tour locations, as well as hard copies of her music and concert merch.
Other highlights include a selection of prints from Mexico City’s Museo del Arte Transfemenino, artist Nelson Santos’s neon ode to Marsha P. Johnson, and Black lesbian feminist Barbara Smith’s curated collection of rare, out-of-print publications.
