You Take Away My Blues

Original Artwork by Ari Lenkov (she/her)

Dimensions 10.75" x 8.75"

"This body of work is loosely titled “It’s Only Natural”. Both queerness and love of nature are large parts of my identity. They bring me joy, they connect me to my community and the world around me. Being queer is ever present in nature, from homosexuality in certain animal species, to many flowers having both male and female reproductive organs.

Admittedly, queer joy is difficult right now. We are living in a time where many states are trying to dehumanize and strip rights from the LGBTQ+ community. But we have always existed, and always will. Like weeds growing through cracks in the pavement, we will overcome obstacles. We have been through hardship before. This is also why I have included writings and found photographs from some of our queer ancestors in this body of work. To show that we are not and have never been alone in our fight. I have also included pieces using flowers that have been used as queer symbolism throughout history. The nature photography in this body of work reflects my personal connection to the outside world, where I feel most able to be my authentic self. Nature and queerness has always been interwoven, and always will be."

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