Drag queen on the cross
Controversial Brisbane artist Luke Roberts has been announced as one of the finalists for the 2011 Blake Prize, the country’s top prize for religious art, with a queer-themed work that’s bound to ruffle a few feathers.
Roberts has created three depictions of the crucifixion of Christ for his Three figures at the bases of crucifixions, all of them likely to inflame some sectors of the religious community. In one, lesbian academic Jodie Taylor kneels at the feet of a crucified Tobin Saunders, aka drag queen Vanessa Wagner (pictured, as depicted in the work). In another, intersex woman Jandy Rainbow plays the role of Christ on the cross, wearing little more than nipple tassles and a G-string, while in the third, indigenous artist Richard Bell adopts the crucifixion pose.
“The Blake always gathers works that will have unexpected perspectives on traditional religious ideas. Religion by its very nature is constantly being challenged and therefore needs a contemporary imagination. I don’t think these are controversial works, but works that will make people think. It is the role of the Blake to connect the wide experiences of spirituality with the visionary imagining of artists,” said Blake Society Chair Rod Pattenden.
Roberts is one of 73 finalists vying for the $20,000 Blake Prize, from a pool of more than 1,100 entries. The Prize will be announced on September 15 at the National Art School Gallery, Forbes St, Darlinghurst on Thursday 15 September, while the exhibition will be held at the school from the following day until Saturday October 15.
info: www.blakeprize.com.au
