Shot in the arm for same sex marriage
Canada-born Chinese visual artist Norm Yip sets out to raise awareness and support of those seeking marriage equality in LGBT community in the exhibition “Beyond Skin” running from April 10 to May 31 at River City Bangkok.
The exhibition will feature 25 photographs taken over a 20-year period beginning in 1999 to the present.
“For the first time, my photography of Asian men will reach a wider international audience,” Yip said. “The images tell of my search for acceptance, identity and beauty. They reveal my desires and longings as a man finding one’s self in the other.”
Yip has long been an avid pioneer in the development of fine art Asian male photography. He established the Asian Male Project which, through his lens, presents artistic images and thought-provoking messages. Light and shadow, combine with his love for the classical form, culminating in a superb collection of artistically photographic masterpieces. Yip’s fresh outlook has captivated both Asians and Westerners alike.
The Thai Government’s cabinet in December 2018 approved the civil partnership bill, and next it will go to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA). If passed, this would pave the way for Thailand to become the first country in Asia to endorse same-sex marriage. Bangkok is regarded as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in Asia and hosts the exhibition ahead of New York in June, where it is timed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the gay civil rights movement, Stonewall.
The exhibition is supported by James Tong, a contemporary art collector who has relationships with many contemporary galleries and artists around the world. Tong founded 37Tong in 2017 to sponsor and curate art projects related to LGBT diversity and inclusion. He believes leveraging the soft power that the art industry offers will further this social movement for understanding and inclusion of the LGBT community.
Ten percent of the purchase price from each photograph sold during the exhibition will be donated to APCOM Foundation, Thailand. APCOM advocate for issues on HIV particularly amongst gay men, and also to advance the rights, health and well-being of people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics in Asia Pacific.
Call (02) 237 0077-8, or visit www.RiverCityBangkok.com.
