Rose, Emma Elizabeth and Lonsdale, Stephen (2016) Hidden identities and concealed dangers : visual art, transgender health and wellbeing. International Journal of the Image, 7 (1). pp. 1-12. ISSN 2154-8560
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
This article provides an innovative investigation of visual art as a vehicle through which transgender issues can achieve presence or recognition in the public sphere and effect health and wellbeing benefits for this group. Through an exploration of works by two artists (Yishay Garbasz and Heather Cassils), the article suggests that art can be employed in the development and expression of new identities, these can operate as a form of resistance against the very context in which the self emerges and is socially constructed, to benefit the transgender artist and the wider society. Underpinned by an investigation of theoretical writings by Judith Halberstam and Roland Barthes, amongst others, the article explores the important contribution of visual art in understanding and articulating the self whilst demonstrating the limits of text-based and narrative approaches. Thus the article argues that visual art can have a vital role in enabling transgender issues to acquire greater prominence within the public domain, and contribute to articulating hidden dangers that impact negatively on the health and wellbeing of transgender people. These ideas were presented at the Fifth International Conference of the Image, at Freie University of Berlin, Germany, Rose, E. (2014). Hidden Identities: Concealed Dangers, Visual Art and Transgender Health and Wellbeing Conference presentation.