COLLECT "TO LOOK WITHOUT FEAR"

AMEN
In a peaceful, dimly lit space, a single framed quote from "Prayers for Bobby" hangs on the wall. The words are elegantly inscribed, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect. As you stand before it, the stillness of the room envelops you, and the weight of the quote sinks in. Let the beauty of the text resonate within you. Consider the emotions behind the words and how they connect to your own experiences. Allow yourself a moment of silence, creating a bridge between yourself and the art. In this quiet reflection, you become part of the narrative, transforming the artwork into a shared experience of understanding and empathy. The connection is felt in the heart, where art and life intertwine.
$1500.00

Our Blood
“Our Blood” is a creation of multi-media works in retaliation against the Red Cross’s ban on gay blood in America. Each work started off as a scan of a Red Cross political poster from 1945 to 1960. Each print was then manipulated with a laser jet printing process and screen printing of a custom medium made with JordanRiver Michaels's own blood. Michaels wanted to use the pigment from his blood to represent all the gay blood that could be saving lives, yet the Red Cross doesn’t allow it. In 2023 statists, heterosexual persons have a higher percentage of carrying HIV and AIDS than the homosexual community. For years now the gay community has cleaned up and fought against HIV and AIDS, yet their community is still discriminated against.
$1700.00

Double Mirrors
The two convex mirrors stand in stark symmetry, creating a dialogue between reflections that is both ordinary and profound. In one mirror, the understated elegance of a bathtub faucet glistens, capturing the light in a way that feels both inviting and utilitarian. Opposite it, a wet rag lies carelessly on a messy bed, a testament to the chaos of life. At first glance, these mirrors appear unremarkable, mere objects in a room. Yet, as one draws closer, the enchanting nature of the convex shape begins to reveal itself. The human face transforms within these reflections, shifting from the minute details of micro-expressions to a serene stillness. The right side up morphs into the upside down, creating a playful dissonance that invites contemplation. Remarkably, the photo emulsion maintains its clear focus amidst this distortion, capturing the essence of the moment with unwavering clarity. It’s as if the mirrors hold a secret, blurring the line between reality and perception, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the intricate dance of light and form. In this space, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the familiar becomes an invitation to explore the complexities of reflection—both literal and metaphorical.
$2000.00

Objects
These objects are untitled.
The artwork created by JordanRiver Michaels presents a powerful commentary on the intersection of identity, blood donation policies, and the sacredness of life. By using acrylic paint derived from his own “gay blood,” he transforms a personal experience into a broader conversation about inclusion and the contributions of marginalized communities.
The choice to feature these painted religious figures emphasizes the significance of faith and the act of giving in both religious and humanitarian contexts. These untitled objects suggest a deeper narrative—one that invites viewers to reflect on the value of every life and the barriers that still exist in society.
This blend of personal narrative and social critique makes the work not only visually striking but also rich in meaning, encouraging dialogue about acceptance, love, and the sanctity of life across diverse backgrounds.
$250.00 Each

Grooming Dolls
Child grooming is as easy as searching “How To Groom a Child” in Google and without clicking any links Google displays “Grooming steps include” then a list of 8 steps.
This type of child sexual molestation is seen in the gay community, though not talked about enough. JordanRiver Michaels created this assemblage work as a public service announcement to America to bring awareness to the topic.
Isolated white-washed nude male dolls, packaged and hung on a commercial stand. Displaying the concept of how predators choose to “shop” for their victims, viewing adolescents as an objects with no personality or uniqueness. Then spending months and even years creating a relationship with that child and becoming a trusted person in their life. Only to brainwash them into a sexual relationship where the child sees no wrong, due to the high trust created by the predator. Over all “controlling the relationship”. This work is made to bring new questions and educated views of child grooming. Most of the time child grooming cases end in rape and or abuse. These cases are the least to be reported and affect the child's development altering their brain and causing mental illness such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with sexual and nonsexual relations.
$5000.00

Untitled (3 Panels)
This collection reflects specific gay hate crimes that happened in the USA. Each panel is a square cut piece of thin wood painted dark grey with a thin black boarder. At the bottom of each square there is a few lines of lighter grey texts. This text is directly from headlines from gay hate crime news articles or a compilation of words and or phrases from the articles. By taking the image away and leaving the text, it forces the viewer to read and negotiate their own relationship with the subject. Very little is told about each event, so the viewer is able to interact with an unbiased opinion. The open dark grey space above the text allows for the viewer to have their own imaginary projection on the work.
$1500.00

Blood Mist
Installed in an open gallery space, projecting light from 1125 LED bulbs, a 36-inch cross installed on the wall drenches the viewer in the spectrum or red light. Michaels transforms an architectural space and turns color into an immersive and embodied experience. Using light as a sculptural material, Michaels explores the physical and emotional effects on his viewers, forcing them into a space of confrontation between the gay community and medical community.
$5000.00

Blame Everything on Me
The layering of black paint and text symbolizes the weight of history and the often-overlooked stories of marginalized individuals. As viewers move around the piece, their active participation becomes a metaphor for seeking understanding and uncovering truths that may have been buried or overshadowed. Each revealed word or statement could spark personal reflections and conversations about the impact of violence in society.
$2400.00

American Dream
The artwork tells the disturbing story of a young child who experienced molestation. It chronicles the emotional ten-month trial that followed, ultimately revealing the shocking outcome: the perpetrator was released due to the costs of imprisonment. This piece prompts reflection on the failures of the justice system and the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable individuals
$500.00

Four Mirrors
In the realm of the skies, where the clouds whisper secrets, the Bald Eagles dance an enchanting ballet of love known as the death spiral. Ascending to the towering heights of the atmosphere, they entwine their bodies at the highest point. In this moment of union, they become one—a symbol of trust and devotion.
With hearts racing, they relinquish their grip and surrender to gravity's embrace, free-falling towards Earth. Their descent is a testament to their bond; a leap into the unknown that only true love can inspire. Should one falter or hesitate, their fate is sealed—a tragic end to a beautiful story.
Yet, in perfect harmony, they plummet, entwined, embodying a leap of faith that speaks of love’s most profound truths. The very act of their fall is a celebration, a ritual that encapsulates the essence of their relationship, where trust reigns supreme and love knows no bounds. As they soar and tumble, they remind us all of the beauty in vulnerability and the strength found in relinquishing control, for true love is a dance that requires both courage and trust.
$1000.00

Latex Houses
JordanRiver Michaels’ work challenges the viewer to confront the uncomfortable realities of hate crimes against the LGBT community. Through a series of assemblages, each piece serves as a powerful testament to specific incidents that have largely gone unacknowledged or minimized in broader societal conversations.
By obscuring the form and texture of the materials, Michaels invites the audience to engage in a closer examination, encouraging an intimate connection with each piece. This engagement requires the viewer to navigate their own biases and assumptions, creating a space for reflection and empathy.
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Michaels’ refusal to include extensive text shifts the focus entirely to the visceral experience of the art itself. The viewer is confronted with the weight of these histories, prompting a deeper understanding and awareness of the ongoing impact of violence against the LGBT community. Ultimately, the works spark vital conversations, pushing against the tendency to overlook or ignore these critical narratives in our society.
$500.00 Each

Wax Marrys
Wax is a natural element used in our daily lives, particularly for figurative candles in religious events. Although these candles are made from non-holy materials, they are treated as sacred objects. This raises the question of what truly defines the sacredness of the materials we use in spiritual practices, where each candle symbolizes connection and devotion. The three Mary candles sit beneath the glow of heat lamps, their waxy forms surrendering to the warmth. As the golden light embraces them, they begin their slow transformation,melting back into their original, organic state.
$2500.00

Neighborhoods
Handcarved plaster houses stand as silent guardians of a fragile community. Each piece, meticulously soaked in a deep, absorbing black pigment, draws the viewer’s gaze, inviting them into an intimate exploration of this miniature neighborhood. As one stands above, peering down into the intricately crafted structures, a sense of both familiarity and curiosity unfolds.
The winding alleys and narrow streets beckon us to wander, urging reflection on the essence of home—our own sanctuaries juxtaposed against the unknown lives that inhabit these neighboring dwellings. Are they safe havens, too? This installation transforms the floor into a delicate tapestry of urban life, questioning the connections we hold with our surroundings and the people within them. It’s a powerful commentary on belonging, safety, and the invisible threads that weave communities together.
$2500.00

Cubes
The artistic exploration of sex work within the gay community offers a profound commentary on identity, agency, and societal norms. By using embossed cubes featuring evocative imagery, the artwork creates a tangible connection to the historical context of sex work. These cubes serve not only as visual representations but also as interactive elements that invite viewers to engage physically and emotionally. The act of moving and placing the cubes mirrors the complexities of the individuals represented—navigating their roles in a world that often objectifies and commodifies desire. This work challenges perceptions, encouraging reflection on the intersection of sexuality, art, and human experience.
$1200.00

Mary
As we see the overproduction of mass-produced artifacts, the authenticity of “holy” or “reliquary” items diminishes. This shift raises questions about our connection to these sacred objects, as we increasingly seek cheaper alternatives that strip away their significance.
This challenges us to recognize both the aesthetic and emotional resonance of what we once deemed sacred, urging a re-engagement with tradition amid a modern, rapidly changing society. The blow cast of Mary faces a pile of casting sand which holds a concave cast of her face. Ready for the production of hundreds more to be produced. Having so many reproductions we no longer take the pilgrimage to visit the holy sites and objects of the world.
$5000.00