Juan Arango Palacios
Tres Pasivas , 2023
Oil on canvas
121.9 x 152.4 cm
48 x 60 in
48 x 60 in
Photo: Eva Herzog
Further images
Tres Pasivas is a painting depicting a moment of queer solidarity. Translating to 'three bottoms;’ this image explores the sexual sub-identities that queer people take on while discovering their own...
Tres Pasivas is a painting depicting a moment of queer solidarity. Translating to 'three bottoms;’ this image explores the sexual sub-identities that queer people take on while discovering their own self. Palacios explains that, in their home country of Colombia, it is very common for society to blatantly and violently discriminate against gay men who take a passive role during sex, while gay men who take the active role do not get quite as much hate. Palacios explains that, in Colombia, there are specific insults for each role: ‘bottoms’ are called ‘cacorros’ which carries a heavily offensive tone, while tops are called ‘maricas’ - a much more casual word. Be it transphobia, homophobia, or the general fear of the effeminate, Palacios argues that Colombian culture has a long way to go in terms of accepting of its queer people.
Tres Pasivas illustrates three brave young queer people who would typically be seen as 'effeminate' standing side by side and being proud of their self-expression. Modeled after Nicolas Codier's sculpture of the Three Graces, these figures embrace each other gently, while forming an empowered stance that almost says "yes, we're gay and what about it?" Palacios explains that the piece is a reminder to themself of the times when they have had to stand up for themself or their queer family when dealing with potentially discriminatory situations catalyzed by a homophobic bypasser. Palacios argues that, in a world increasingly violent towards queer people, it is so important for us to stick together regardless of whether we are tops or bottoms, or masc or fem. We are all a part of the same community and we must stand together to demand the dignity and respect we deserve.
Tres Pasivas illustrates three brave young queer people who would typically be seen as 'effeminate' standing side by side and being proud of their self-expression. Modeled after Nicolas Codier's sculpture of the Three Graces, these figures embrace each other gently, while forming an empowered stance that almost says "yes, we're gay and what about it?" Palacios explains that the piece is a reminder to themself of the times when they have had to stand up for themself or their queer family when dealing with potentially discriminatory situations catalyzed by a homophobic bypasser. Palacios argues that, in a world increasingly violent towards queer people, it is so important for us to stick together regardless of whether we are tops or bottoms, or masc or fem. We are all a part of the same community and we must stand together to demand the dignity and respect we deserve.
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