When thinking about gay men’s obvious qualities, the ability to fight ferociously is not the first thing that springs to mind. Growing up gay in a macho society requires a thick skin, and in fact, in oppose to how gay men are often depicted and perceived as ‘weak’, this thick skin is the sum of all of our fights, and as the saying goes: “practice makes perfect”.
In ancient times we know of gay men’s military brigades, like for instance The Sacred Band of Thebes in ancient Greece – an army of lovers who fought together on the front line. The idea behind it was that male love is the strongest bond, and this will make the soldiers stronger, and much more valiant. The heroism of this brigade echoes through for more than 2 millennia, in prose and praise, as they are known to liberate the city-state of Thebes from the clutches of the totalitarian Spartans, back into a Greek Democracy.
"A number of warriors were buried with arms linked; if you look closely, you can see that some were holding hands." Image Source
According to some sources, the Pre-Columbian Mexican Aztec empire practiced a social ritual of homosexuality in temples, though it was banned and punishable otherwise. Ritual gay sex was a part of religious festivities, as we learn from Xōchipilli - the flower prince god - patron of music, games, ecstatic dance, young men and holy prostitutes. This god, among others, was worshiped for good luck by the Aztecs’ most fearless warriors before going to battles.
God Xochipilli
There are more examples of homosexuality bound with war in the ancient world, like the sometimes-assumed queerness of the Viking god Odin – lord of war amongst his many traits. It is told he possesses the power of Seid – Norse magic regarded to mostly as a female trait.
In this day and age in Israel, gay men serve the military valiantly, and sacrifice their lives, and same-sex relationships carve through grief yet another step in their path to full acceptance and legitimacy in the Israeli society, which will hopefully result in equal rights eventually.
Photo Source
Moshe Gershuni - Pretty Soldier, Mixed media, 1981
Homosexuality and male love in a military context are nothing new in the art world and were explored and represented in Israel with works by ground-breaking gay artists like Moshe Gershuni and Adi Nes. As a gay art gallery, some artists represented by Pan explore the issue of homosexuality in a military context in their artworks.
Adi Nes - Untitled
A Fine art print by photographer Guy Yechiely, from the soldier series, is a part of the Haifa Museum of Art permanent collection, and some were sold to one of the biggest private fine art collectors in Israel. Gay artist Ben Hantkant’s short film ‘War Room’ also addresses the tension between fragile masculinity, dissidence and obedience.
Some would argue (like known Israeli Queer theorist Amalia Ziv for example) that the mere act of homosexuality, especially in the Israeli military, is deconstructive to the image of the new Zionist Jew, and it counters the idea of the strong contemporary Israeli man, in oppose to the weak diaspora Jew.
In any case, homosexuality in the Israeli military is accepted, even in elite combat units, and, in oppose to past times when this could get one disqualified from certain positions, nowadays homosexuals are serving in all ranks, including highly sensitive intel, combat and support units.
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Auction Houses: Soaring Beyond Expectations
Auction houses have long been the epicenter of high-profile art sales, and they continue to captivate the art world with their ability to break price records, even during volatile financial times. In recent years, we've witnessed astonishing results at major auction events, with works by both established and emerging artists fetching astronomical sums.
The soaring prices can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, wealthy collectors and investors often view art as a safe haven for capital during periods of economic instability. The scarcity and uniqueness of artworks offer a sense of security that other traditional investment options may lack. Consequently, during volatile financial times, art becomes an attractive asset class.
Additionally, the globalization of the art market has widened the pool of potential buyers, leading to intensified competition and bidding wars. With the accessibility of online bidding platforms, art enthusiasts from around the world can participate in auctions, driving up prices and breaking previous records.
For instance, here in Israel, one of the top leading art auction houses Tiroche, had recently broke price tag records in a contemporary Israeli art sale, with Zoya Cherkasky fetching more than US$50K. During this sale Israeli gay artist Yisrael Dror Hemed brought in more than US$3000 for a small sized oil painting. Dror Hemed is an award-winning artist and is very sought after by collectors, after presenting a solo exhibition in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and in Israel’s top-leading commercial art galleries, like Gordon Gallery.
Sotheby’s London just recently broke a European record with the sale of a Gustav Klimt piece, which fetched more than £83 million (more than €90 million) with fees, and all this during a financial crisis, raging inflation and a not so lenient interest environment.
Dame mit Fächer (Lady with a Fan) by Gustav Klimt (1917-1918), which was found on an easel in his studio when he died. It sold for £74mn (£83.3mn with fees) - Source: Financial Times
Gay Artists: Breaking Barriers and Price Tags
Alongside the success of auction houses and private sales, another notable development in the art market has been the increased recognition and value placed on works by gay artists. In recent years, the price tags for artworks by queer artists, particularly those belonging to the gay community, have surged, reflecting a progressive shift in societal attitudes and an acknowledgment of their immense contributions to the art world.
Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and David Hockney, among others, have become emblematic figures in the market. Their works, once underappreciated or even dismissed, are now celebrated for their artistic merit, unique perspectives, and the narratives they bring to light.
In May 2022 a painting by Jean Michel Basquiat from 1982 named untitled broke a record selling at a whooping price of more than US$85 million, at Phillips auction house. That sale realized more than US$225 million, with a 100% of the lot sold, and more than 70% of the works going for prices above their estimates. This painting was sold initially for US$4000, which gives it a premium of over 21000%.
British gay artist David Hockney is the world’s top leading living artist, with sales of more than US$132 in 2020.
David Hockney 2021. Source: Barrons.com
This surge in demand and valuation can be attributed to multiple factors, including increased visibility and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, the dismantling of artistic hierarchies, and the recognition that queer artists have made substantial contributions to the cultural landscape. As societal acceptance grows, collectors and institutions are actively seeking out and celebrating the voices of gay artists, resulting in record-breaking prices at auctions and private sales.
So all this brings us to conclude that despite the inherent volatility of financial times, the art business has proven itself to be a resilient and dynamic industry, which maintains value appreciation for brands. Auction houses continue to astound the world with their record-breaking sales, while private sales offer a discreet playground for collectors seeking stability. Simultaneously, the increased recognition and appreciation of artworks by gay artists demonstrate the progress made towards a more inclusive and diverse art market.
Real estate, commodities, stocks and bonds – every investment has risks, but during these times of uncertainty, art serves as some sort of a solid rock, offering not only aesthetic pleasure but also a tangible and meaningful investment in cultural assets. The soaring prices and milestones achieved in recent years illustrate the enduring allure of art and its ability to transcend economic turbulence, reinforcing the belief that art is a safe haven for investors who wish to support ideas, and seek more than just financial benefits.
Support gay and queer artists - it could prove to be a wise financial decision.
Yours,
Erez Bialer - Pan Homo Art Gallery curator and owner
Art has long been a medium for expressing human emotions, experiences, and perspectives. In the digital age, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced exciting possibilities for creative expression. However, our online gay art gallery remains dedicated exclusively to human-generated art. In this blog post, I delve into the reasons behind this decision and affirm the importance of human ingenuity and the role of gay art in social change.
]]>The new buzzword "AI" seems to be everywhere and it's getting hard to tell whether the content you are seeing is human or machine generated.
Art has long been a medium for expressing human emotions, experiences, and perspectives. In the digital age, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced exciting possibilities for creative expression. However, our online gay art gallery remains dedicated exclusively to human-generated art. In this blog post, I delve into the reasons behind this decision and affirm the importance of human ingenuity and the role of gay art in social change.
The Essence of Human Emotion and Experience:
Art is a powerful means to convey our deepest emotions, experiences, and stories, and also protest and express political criticism. By focusing solely on human-generated art, our online gay art gallery seeks to celebrate the unique essence of creativity and artists possess an intrinsic ability to infuse their work with the nuances of their lived experiences, capturing the intricacies of LGBTQ+ identities and fostering a sense of relatability and empathy within the community.
Preserving Authenticity and Artistic Vision:
Art is deeply personal and reflects the artist's individual style, beliefs, and perspective. Our decision to exclude AI-generated art from our collection stems from a desire to preserve the authenticity and artistic vision that artists bring to their work. AI algorithms, while capable of generating visually stunning compositions, lack the lived experiences and subjective interpretations that make human-generated art so profound, and most of their output is based on existing materials. By focusing on human-generated art, we honor the artists' unique voice and their contributions to LGBTQ+ representation and cultural heritage, and promote new thinking and expressions, rather than recycle existing ones into new compositions.
The Importance of Human Connection:
Art has the remarkable ability to forge connections between the artist, the artwork, and the audience. By showcasing human-generated art exclusively, Pan online gay gallery creates a space where viewers can engage with the genuine narratives conveyed by real people. This human connection fosters not only a sense of community, but also promotes normalization, and encourages dialogue and acceptance.
Promoting Artistic Growth and Exploration:
Artistic growth and exploration are essential components of any art movement. Our online gay art gallery strives to provide a platform that encourages LGBTQ+ artists to experiment, innovate, and challenge societal norms. By focusing on human-generated art, we create an environment that fosters artistic growth, where artists can push boundaries, explore new techniques, and contribute to the rich tapestry of art history. Human artists bring a depth of knowledge and artistic evolution that is invaluable to the continued development of any art movement.
So to conclude in so many words: Art is a deeply personal and human endeavor, enabling individuals to express their emotions, experiences, and unique perspectives and techniques. Our online gay art gallery focuses exclusively on human-generated art to honor the authenticity, emotional depth, and richness that artists bring to their work. By celebrating the ingenuity of man-made creativity, we preserve the essence of queer art, fostering connections, and supporting the growth of the art community. We allow new ideas to come to light and provide a platform for proud art, thus normalizing the appearance of gayness, in the art world as well as in real-life.
Fine art photography by Zohar Kaniel
Support queer and gay artists – it makes a difference.
For our special 15% off Pride sale page click here. Valid until June 30th 2023.
]]>Length Conversion: When converting lengths from the metric system to the imperial system, the following conversion factors can be used:
1 meter (m) ≈ 3.28084 feet (ft) 1 centimeter (cm) ≈ 0.39370 inches (in)
To convert a length from metric to imperial, simply multiply the metric value by the appropriate conversion factor. For example:
Weight Conversion: Weight conversion from the metric system to the imperial system can be accomplished using the following conversion factors:
1 kilogram (kg) ≈ 2.20462 pounds (lb) 1 gram (g) ≈ 0.00220462 pounds (lb)
To convert a weight from metric to imperial, multiply the metric value by the appropriate conversion factor. For example:
Conversion Chart: To simplify size conversion between the metric and imperial systems, here's a handy chart summarizing the conversion factors for length and weight:
Metric |
Imperial |
1 meter (m) |
3.28084 feet |
1 centimeter |
0.39370 inches |
1 kilogram (kg) |
2.20462 pounds |
1 gram (g) |
0.00220462 lb |
At our art gallery, we understand the importance of precise measurements and accurate communication when it comes to the artwork you adore. That's why we've provided this helpful guide on converting sizes from the metric to imperial system, tailored specifically for our esteemed collectors. With the conversion chart we've included, you'll have a convenient reference at your fingertips to seamlessly navigate between different measurement systems.
This gay art gallery believes that every detail matters, including the understanding of measurements. With this knowledge, you can confidently engage with the artwork that moves you, and Envision how they fit in your personal space.
]]>As an art lover, a curator and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I've been interested in the ways that gay artists have expressed themselves throughout history. From ancient Greece, through the Renaissance in Italy, to modern-day New York, LGBTQ+ artists have often been at the forefront of cultural movements and artistic innovation. But for many years, the LGBTQ+ community was marginalized in mainstream art, with gay visibility often suppressed or outright censored. Some of the best artists in the world suddenly were brought back into the closet when entered into the art museums or art galleries.
Today, however, we're seeing a sea change in the art world, with more and more LGBTQ+ artists gaining visibility and recognition. Gay artists play a role in expanding our cultural horizons. Without them we, as a society, would not know what is considered normal.
Dennis Hanshew - Love and Affection
One of the most significant ways that gay visibility in art has increased in recent years is through the rise of queer art galleries and exhibitions. These spaces create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ artists to showcase their work and for LGBTQ+ audiences to engage with it. Many of these galleries also host community events and educational programs, providing a valuable platform for queer culture and expression.
In addition to queer art spaces, there has been a growing trend of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream art institutions. Major museums and galleries around the world are now showcasing works by gay artists and featuring exhibits that explore queer themes and experiences. This increased visibility not only provides a wider audience for queer artists but also helps to normalize LGBTQ+ identities and experiences in the wider cultural landscape.
Leslie Lohman Museum of Art New York
Another exciting development in gay visibility in art is the growing number of LGBTQ+ collectors and patrons. With more and more members of the community investing in art, we're seeing an increased demand for works by LGBTQ+ artists, which in turn is driving more attention and recognition for their work.
By supporting gay artists, you're supporting the creation of diverse and exciting cultural work that challenges traditional norms and expands our collective understanding of the world around us. Additionally, investing in queer art can be a way to support the LGBTQ+ community more broadly, as many artists use their work as a platform for activism and advocacy. Supporting gay and queer art expands and assists gay culture.
So, as you explore art for your new home, or as a gift, I encourage you to seek out works by LGBTQ+ artists, and to support queer art spaces and exhibitions. By doing so, you're not only enriching your own life with a wide perspective, but also contributing to the larger cultural conversation around LGBTQ+ identity and visibility.
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Gay art has always been an integral part of the LGBTQ+ movement, serving as a means of protest and a tool for social change. For centuries, art has been used as a vehicle for political and social commentary, and the LGBTQ+ community has been no exception. From ancient Greece to modern times, gay artists have used their work to express their identities and advocate for their rights.
One of the most famous examples of gay art as protest is Michelangelo's David. The statue, which depicts a male nude, was originally commissioned as a symbol of Florence's military strength but has since become a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community's fight for acceptance and equality. David's nudity has been interpreted as a celebration of the male form, and when taking under consideration the sexual ambiguity of the character of David in the bible, and the fact that Florence was at the time a hub for homosexuals from all over Europe, it queerly expresses here more than just male figure admiration.
David by Michelangelo
Similarly, the work of Egon Schiele, an Austrian artist who lived in the early 20th century, has been used as a form of protest against societal norms. Schiele's paintings and drawings often featured male nudes and homoerotic imagery, which were considered scandalous at the time. His work challenged traditional gender roles and pushed back against the idea that homosexuality was abnormal or deviant.
Self-Portrait in Crouching Position by Egon Schiele, c. 1913.
In the mid-20th century, artists like Robert Mapplethorpe and David Wojnarowicz continued to use their work as a form of protest. Mapplethorpe's photographs of male nudes and BDSM scenes were seen as controversial and were the subject of a high-profile censorship trial in the United States. Wojnarowicz, who was also a writer and filmmaker, used his work to address issues like homophobia, AIDS, and political oppression.
Courtesy der Künstler / the artist, the Estate of David Wojnarowicz und / and P·P·O·W Gallery, New York
In recent years, the use of gay art as protest has continued to evolve. The artist David Hockney, for example, has created works that celebrate same-sex love and challenge the notion that LGBTQ+ relationships are less valid than heterosexual ones. Hockney's vibrant paintings and drawings have become iconic symbols of the LGBTQ+ community's struggle for acceptance and equality.
Hockney Swimmer (1978), Michael Childers.
‘Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.)’ by Félix González-Torres. Photo: henskechristine
Israeli gay art is also often used as a form of protest. Moshe Gershuni was one of the most influential contemporary gay artists in Israel. He is best known for portraying homoeroticism through the imagery of soldiers and flowers.
Zohar Kaniel & Moshe Gershuni in "Fade From My TV Screen" 1999
In 2018, the LGBTQ+ community in Israel held a protest against a discriminatory surrogacy law that excluded same-sex couples. The protest was also led by LGBTQ+ artists like Michael Golian, who used their art to express their anger and frustration at the government's policies, and printed this image on a group of T-shirts, which him and his friends wore during the protest
Michael Golian "Gay Daddies" 2018/2022
In conclusion, gay art has always played an important role in political movements, serving as a form of protest and a tool for social change. We can only hope that these troubling times Israel is going through will pass and we will remain with fantastic gay protest art.
Support gay and queer artists and order your artwork today 🏳️🌈
]]>Blog Post January 2023
Newly featured gay artists
Pan Gay Art Docuseries Episode 1
"Open House" Sale Event - February
Gay Art about the Holocaust
]]>I hope your 2023 started well, and you are ready for some gay art news by Pan Homo Art Gallery. There is so much to share about what’s going on now - I don’t know where to begin: Newly represented gay artists, a gay art mini-docuseries featuring Pan artists and their story, a monthly “Open House” sale event with discounts and also gay art about the holocaust.
Starting with the most exciting news: We have new artists represented by Pan which include 2 elderly Israeli gay men, whose been creating gay art for over 50 years, and only recently it is coming to light:
Coal drawing by Eitan Erel, 1991
Since the day the gallery started working, I heard so many fascinating life-stories by the gay and lesbian artists I represent. These stories should come to light, and so I joined up with my friend and colleague award-winning photographer Lior Horesh, and my friend Or Ben David (OBD), to produce a mini-docuseries featuring Pan artists. The first episode is recently released, featuring Mandala and male nude artist Eitan Kedmy.
Following the great success of the previous events, and to answer further demand, I am launching a special monthly “Open House” sale event, where people can set up a private visit to my home, see gay art and acquire it on clearance sale with massive discounts. Event usually happens on the last Thursday of every month, and entrance is free with registration in advance.
They say “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”.
As the first gay art gallery in Israel, it is a great responsibility to show and bring forward gay art made by Israelis, but not only. Recently, the gallery had received an email with artworks revolving around the plight of homosexuals during the holocaust. This series, made by Simon O’corra, depict difficult scenes of gays in the holocaust in acrylic. They vary in size from 60/80 cm to 100/100 cm. O’corra is an award-winning screenwriter, poet and artist from England.
These images are provoking. They stay with you in your mind long after you set your eyes away. Even though in my honest opinion these gay artworks are not very commercial, and it will be difficult to sell them, I still feel there must be made space to present materials like this, to provoke thought and discussion.
In times like this, when good-seeking citizens all over the world are fighting fascism and corruption, and LGBTQIA+ people are attacked by conservative regressive madness, it is most important to promote gay culture and support LGBTQIA+ artists. It is most important to have non-commercial spaces to present troubling, mind-boggling art, which deals with difficult subjects, like the plight of gay men during the holocaust.
Five Figures by Simon O'corra, acrylic on canvas, 50 x 150 cm
Final Portrait, acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Bucket Head, acrylic on canvas. 75 x 75 cm
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I am proud to present the works of Eyal Tevet – a skilled artist and interior designer who lives with his partner and three daughters in the center of Israel. His male art in oil on wood panels was presented in a single exhibition in the Municipal Artist House of Tel Aviv, and we have the honor of offering 3 of them in a mini collection.
Another skilled artist who recently joined Pan is American male art photographer Mark Alan (The Male Muse), with experience of over 25 years in photographing gay men, in the USA and in Spain, where he resides today. His work is done in analog 35 mm black and white cameras and also Digital SLR cameras. He prints on a luster photo paper in Spain.
I was recently asked where does the line cross between art and male nude to actual adult-only content. When I gave the matter a bit of thought, I suddenly realized that it really is up to the essence of the piece that the artist is trying to convey. It is quite clear in today’s world, that people can be aroused by anything, and so, would artworks such as Robert Mapplethorpe’s be considered lude? Would Spencer Tunic’s?
I think that if the purpose of the piece is to arouse one sexually, and bring him or her to climax, it is then considered (in my eyes) less of a fine art piece. If the piece has sexual nudity in it, but the purpose of it is to convey an idea in aesthetic and artistic means – then I think one can try to rise above the explicit sexual content and relate to it as an artistic element, and to absorb the bigger picture.
Robert Mapplethorpe - Man in Polyester Suit 1980
Of-course all these views stand in direct relation to the culture one is surrounded by: What seems to be totally natural in the Scandinavian countries might be considered a total abomination in some parts of the US and Canada, and vise versa. We cannot display male nudity in certain areas in the world, regardless of whether its sexual content or not.
So to those of you who made it so far - you certainly deserve a loyalty reward and so - take 8% off with a special discount code. Valid until Halloween - October 31st 2022.Our next exhibit in Tel Aviv will be in early November - we cannot disclose the details yet - so stay tuned.
Thank you and if you have any questions or requests I am always happy to help!
Sincerely,
Erez Bialer
Pan Homo Art Gallery owner & curator
Curator Erez Bialer begins with the most basic questions, and continues on to show examples of gay fine art that changed the world, while discussing gay artworks featured here in this gallery.
]]>Welcome to the first blog post of Pan Homo Art Gallery about gay art.
Since I opened Pan Homo Art Gallery (or PHAG) last year, I’m often asked – what is gay art? Why do we need gay art? Can’t we just like art in general?
So, to try to answer all these questions, and more, I invite you to follow this blog, where I will be discussing queer and gay art and artists from Israel and around the world, showing new works in the gallery and promoting various LGBTQIA+ related agendas. I believe in change. I believe in the power of art to heal and open minds.
We begin with the most recurring question: What is gay art and why do we need it? Well, first and foremost, gay art is, of course, anything created by an LGBTQIA+ artist, and/or deals with the LGBTQIA+ experience. I suppose most people would not have a second thought about the necessity of Chinese, African or Jewish art, then why, when it comes to LGBTQIA+ people, and gays particularly, people find it odd? Maybe it is because they don’t give our sexuality the credit it deserves in shaping out many aspects in our lives: Being an LGBTQIA+ person is being a part of a culture, and as such, it includes symbols, history, language, days of memorial and holidays – everything that characterizes a culture.
Art as we know it has always been a part of human cultures. Same-Sex attraction existed since long before documented history, and certainly since before the 19th century, when the term “Homosexual” was coined. While some of the ancient world accepted it as a natural fact of life (like the ancient prostitute priests of pagan societies), others (like the Catholic Church) tried to abolish it completely. Since the rise of monotheist religions, homosexuals have been forced to hide, and so did homosexual art, up until very recently.
Homoerotic art was found from as early as Mesolithic era, some 9000 years ago. Some of the most well-known, groundbreaking artists in history, such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Caravaggio, made Homoerotic and male art. One of the most famous ancient gay art pieces in the world is the Warren Cup, from around 10 A.D, which was bought by the British Museum in 1999 and is said to have originated in Jerusalem. It depicts overt homosexual acts and is said to have been buried by wealthy Romans, as they fled monotheist Jewish rebels who took over Jerusalem in 66 A.D.
Warren's Cup, detail By © Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain,
Back to the here and now:
By presenting LGBTQIA+ness in public space through art we normalize the mere idea of being LGBTQIA+ and the aesthetics of it. Homosexuality is no longer forced to hide in smut magazines and dark underground clubs – it is now presented in museums and galleries, and gay love and affection is a common imagery in the media.
One of the most important and influential gay artists to date is David Hockney, who created gay art in England when it was still illegal, before 1967 when it was decriminalized.
David Hockney We Two Boys Together Clinging (1961)
Many artists find inspiration in his works and refer to his techniques. So is the case with American gay photographer Terry Hastings, with his nude series, which were recently added to our collections. Terry's series refers to Hockney's use of numerous polaroid pictures to create one image.
Terry Hastings - Confronting Yourself
Art that depicts gay imagery normalizes homosexuality for posterity, presenting it as a natural aspect of life. Such are the works of artists Elad Kazir, Nimrod Avigal and Michael Golian. Adrian Frejowski and Sigal Miller also create homosexual imagery in oil on canvas. Sigal's work depicts intimate same-sex situations of mundane life. Dror Amsallem’s Bayad Magazine – a groundbreaking gay Israeli homoerotic photography fanzine from 2010 - marks a new era of non-conformist gay Israelis, eager to create artistic gay imagery.
Dror Amsallem - Look Out / Fading Away
Homo art usually was a best seller: Artists like Andy Warhol sold very well in his lifetime, and Israeli gay photographer Adi Nes’ who’s artwork “Untitled” (1999) print was sold for a staggering amount of $264K in 2007, are perfect examples. It is the highest bid for a fine art photography print, to have ever been placed in Israel.
Untitled (The Last Supper), from series "Soldiers", 90 x 148 / 185 x 235, 1999.
When we buy queer art, we not only support gay artists financially, but also contribute to normalizing and accepting LGBTQIA+ culture. By presenting homo art in a visible spot we make it accessible to people in our lives. After years of hiding in the subtext, being illegal or subversive, in the last 50 years LGBTQIA+ art is here to rightfully claim its place in row with other significant consciousness-expanding, mind-altering currents in art, and museums and galleries are starting to pay better tribute to this aspect of the art world.
Artworks like Michael Golian’s “Gay Daddies” could not exist up until very recently, because same sex families have not been socially acceptable until recently in Western society.
Michael Golian “Gay Daddies” 2021 / Digital artwork printed on brushed Aluminum
It may take more time until gay art stalls appear in international art fairs like Art Basel, or in the Venice Biennale, but hopefully in the near future we will see this change. It has not even been 10 years yet since gay marriage had been legalized in the U.S, let alone other countries where it is still not legalized, like Israel.
In 2018 police was called because the front window of an art gallery presented a video artwork of two men kissing. The police demanded that the piece will be removed to restore public peace, following a complaint. Of course, the piece was allowed eventually, and was not removed, and since then a few gay art projects sprung in Tel Aviv like non-profit Artiq, curated by Yael Rozin, and others, like Pan Homo Art Gallery.
Ori Hafner – Dizengoff Gay Couple / Digital artwork printed on Perspex
Chen Tuby – The Kiss - Pastel on Black Paper / Dibond Print