JUNE 16 - JULY 11

HODSON GALLERY FREDERICK, MD

Artistic expression often serves as a powerful outlet for emotions and experiences. In “To Look Without Fear,” the fusion of various mediums—sculpture, photography, and interactive objects—creates a profound dialogue between the viewer and the creator. Michaels’ work invites us to engage with his journey of personal healing, transforming trauma into a palpable narrative that resonates within us. The installation is not merely observed; it demands our participation and reflection, confronting us with the complexities of life and the necessity of acceptance. This dynamic interplay reveals how art can be both a personal sanctuary and a public commentary, fostering connections and offering solace to those who experience it.

Reflecting on the transformative events in my life, I delve into my connection with the gay community. Each piece of this collection is steeped in layers of trauma, violence, grief, and healing. Critical topics include abuse, childhood grooming, the importance of understanding one’s community, the symbolism of objects in religion, and the journey of self-healing. These themes bear a stigma that often causes discomfort, potentially leading audiences to avert their gaze if confronted too directly. To navigate this, I’ve chosen to title most of the works “Untitled" deliberately to obscure the underlying meanings, prompting viewers to engage with the pieces based on their forms. This approach invites audiences to navigate the artworks through their own experiences and perceptions, fostering a space where they can lead the dialogue. Each physical form I’ve created serves as a catalyst for reflection and interpretation, allowing the viewers to shape the conversation around what they see and feel.

“The works have been a healing process for my personal experience growing up as a gay male. I create because I need to. The works serve as proof of therapy, a process that has kept me alive and transforms trauma into its physical form.”

-JordanRiver Michaels