Gaze Upon Gays

MAIN GALLERY

Featuring the artwork of Josh Tetzlaff
Curated by Jerry Truong

MAY 26 - JUNE 25, 2023

Gaze Upon Gays

MAIN GALLERY

By Josh Tetzlaff
Curated by Jerry Truong

MAY 26 - JUNE 25, 2023

In the exhibition, Gaze Upon Gays, artist Josh Tetzlaff presents a collection of homoerotic and optical art that explores his personal journey of self-discovery and the impact of cultural ideals of masculinity on his sexuality. Tetzlaff utilizes painting, printmaking, and installation to comment on the changing perceptions of male beauty presented by society and encourages viewers to question their own insecurities and expectations surrounding gender norms. By subverting traditional notions of masculinity and manipulating the viewer's gaze, Tetzlaff invites contemplation of the diversity and beauty of the male form. Ultimately, the exhibition creates a space of belonging where unique perspectives can be celebrated.

Featured Above
Josh Tetzlaff
shirts off #5, 2022
40” x 30”, screenprint
$300, purchase here

Featured Below

Josh Tetzlaff
a window into my world, 2023
41” x 29”, digital print
$200, purchase here

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

In the exhibition, Gaze Upon Gays, artist Josh Tetzlaff presents a collection of homoerotic and optical art that explores his personal journey of self-discovery and the impact of cultural ideals of masculinity on his sexuality. Tetzlaff utilizes painting, printmaking, and installation to comment on the changing perceptions of male beauty presented by society and encourages viewers to question their own insecurities and expectations surrounding gender norms. By subverting traditional notions of masculinity and manipulating the viewer's gaze, Tetzlaff invites contemplation of the diversity and beauty of the male form. Ultimately, the exhibition creates a space of belonging where unique perspectives can be celebrated.

Featured Above
Josh Tetzlaff
shirts off #5, 2022
40” x 30”, screenprint
$300, purchase here

Featured Below

Josh Tetzlaff
a window into my world, 2023
41” x 29”, digital print
$200, purchase here

Opening Celebration
Friday, May 26, 2023
7:00 PM

Closing Reception
Sunday, June 25, 2023
6:00 PM

Artist Talk
Sunday, June 11, 2023
3:00 PM

EVENTS


EVENTS


Opening Celebration
Friday, May 26, 2023
7:00 PM

Artist Talk
Sunday, June 11, 2023
3:00 PM

Closing Reception
Sunday, June 25, 2023
6:00 PM

Josh Tetzlaff's art is a provocative and powerful expression of the artist's journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. As a gay man, Tetzlaff uses his art to explore his emotions and desires, creating striking and captivating works that combine homoerotic themes with optical illusions. Through his works, he melds his creativity with his sexuality, pushing the boundaries of what is accepted as "normal" in our society.

Tetzleff's art is not just about aesthetics; it is a political statement and a social commentary on growing up in this era where superheroes are role models for future adults. By using hyper-masculine and muscular male forms in his work, Tetzlaff subverts the heteronormative gaze. His work is a celebration of masculinity, as well as an exploration of its complexities and contradictions.

At the heart of Tetzlaff's work is a desire to create a safe and inclusive space where people can be free to be themselves. His art invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and identities, encouraging them to question their assumptions and prejudices. Tetzlaff's exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire change and create connections, and it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the human condition.

FROM THE CURATOR

FROM THE CURATOR

Josh Tetzlaff's art is a provocative and powerful expression of the artist's personal journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment. As a gay man, Tetzlaff uses his art to explore his emotions and desires, creating striking and captivating works that combine homoerotic themes with optical illusions. Through his works, he melds his creativity with his sexuality, pushing the boundaries of what is accepted as "normal" in our society.

Tetzleff's art is not just about aesthetics; it is a political statement and a social commentary on growing up in this era where superheroes are role models for future adults. By using hyper-masculine and muscular male forms in his work, Tetzlaff challenges the traditional masculine ideal and subverts the heteronormative gaze. His work is a celebration of masculinity as well as an exploration of its complexities and contradictions.

At the heart of Tetzlaff's work is a desire to create a safe and inclusive space where people can be free to be themselves. His art invites the viewer to reflect on their own experiences and identities, encouraging them to question their assumptions and prejudices. Tetzlaff's exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire change and create connections, and it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the human condition.

Meet the Artist

Josh Tetzlaff

My art engages with the gay gaze, in conversation with the heteronormative fear of being “turned” gay. My practice has two lines of inquiry, queer espionage, which allows queer imagery to be seen without someone knowing they are looking at something queer, and optical illusions for what happens between the eye and the brain, allowing the viewer to activate the image with a mental paradox. I am utilizing queer espionage to hide gay themes in plain sight so that a hetero-normative society doesn’t know they are observing something queer. So, I am balancing knowing and not knowing what an image is like a code switcher.

FROM THE ARTIST

Josh Evans Tetzlaff is an artist working in painting, printmaking, and sculpture. His artwork focuses on exploring themes related to gay identity, utilizing optical illusions to challenge stereotypes and debunk the notion that homosexuality can be influenced by external factors. Tetzlaff obtained his BFA from Austin Peay State University in 2016 and recently completed his MFA in Studio Art at American University in 2023.

His work has been showcased in numerous solo exhibitions held in various locations, including Clarksville, Nashville, and Johnson City, Tennessee, as well as Spokane, Washington, and Syracuse, New York. Additionally, he has actively participated in group exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the American University Museum in Washington, DC, the Portico Gallery in Brentwood, MD, and the Touchstone Gallery in Washington, DC.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

FROM THE ARTIST

My art engages with the gay gaze, in conversation with the heteronormative fear of being “turned” gay. My practice has two lines of inquiry, queer espionage, which allows queer imagery to be seen without someone knowing they are looking at something queer, and optical illusions for what happens between the eye and the brain, allowing the viewer to activate the image with a mental paradox. I am utilizing queer espionage to hide gay themes in plain sight so that a hetero-normative society doesn’t know they are observing something queer. So, I am balancing knowing and not knowing what an image is like a code switcher.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Josh Evans Tetzlaff is an artist working in painting, printmaking, and sculpture. His artwork focuses on exploring themes related to gay identity, utilizing optical illusions to challenge stereotypes and debunk the notion that homosexuality can be influenced by external factors. Tetzlaff obtained his BFA from Austin Peay State University in 2016 and recently completed his MFA in Studio Art at American University in 2023.

His work has been showcased in numerous solo exhibitions held in various locations, including Clarksville, Nashville, and Johnson City, Tennessee, as well as Spokane, Washington, and Syracuse, New York. Additionally, he has actively participated in group exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the American University Museum in Washington, DC, the Portico Gallery in Brentwood, MD, and the Touchstone Gallery in Washington, DC.