UNTITLED [muse] | Statement

MUSE, a collaborative project between interdisciplinary performance artist James Kinser and photographer Niki Grangruth, explores issues of gender identity and the tradition of the artist / muse relationship. The series of photographs centers upon the reinterpretation of well-known, art historical paintings. Through the process of reinventing these works, we are challenging the historical male artist and female subject relationship, as well as traditional notions of beauty in portraiture. Inspired by art historical works that portray female subjects, we recontextualize traditional imagery of women by master painters to explore ideas of a performative / fluid gender identity that disrupts the socially-constructed male/female binary.

JAMES KINSER BIO

James is an interdisciplinary performance artist living and working in Chicago. Combining performance and costume design, his work currently explores idiosyncratic expressions of identity that challenge the traditional male/female construct of gender. Previously, his work has addressed the relationship between the body, spirituality and sexuality. James has performed sporadically in Chicago but has most commonly been found emceeing Gender Fusions, an annual show at Columbia College Chicago where he earned an MA degree in Interdisciplinary Art. He also holds a BA degree in Art Education and Fine Art from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. Unquestionably, he is passionate about sparkle.

www.jkinser.com