Archival Pigment on Paper
40 x 40 in (102 x 102 cm)
About The Artwork
The central figure, a stylish woman, is depicted with bold brushstrokes, bringing a modern, graphic quality. She wears a cap with “BANG” printed on it and large circular earrings for flair.
Jon Pannier’s series for our “Muscle Memory” exhibition delves into violence against the LGBTQIA+ community from the 1980s to the present. As a young gay man who moved to New York in 1989, Pannier was profoundly impacted by rampant gay and trans bashing fueled by fear and homophobia during the AIDS crisis. The series features portraits of gay, lesbian, and gender-nonconforming individuals, all showing visible signs of brutalization.
The floral designs also symbolically nod to the historical connection between flowers and homosexuality, referencing the use of “pansy” as slang and the florist stereotype. Through this juxtaposition, the series underscores the beauty and tragedy in the struggle for acceptance and equality.