Taidetila Muijala, Reila, Finland
Midnight Sun is a site specific body of work that explores thematics of expansive time, the trans body, and imprints of archival narratives of resistance. The series namesake references the unique sun cycle experienced during the artists’ time in Finland, with minimal to no hours without a degree of sunlight. During this period, they reflected on the ways this natural phenomena mirrors the experience of “trans time”-- non-linear and expansive.
The sculptural print pieces act as monuments or shrines, referencing bulletin boards used in activist spaces, which host historical trans literature, notes, and reference to activist groups. Using Cyanotype, an archival printing process and collaborating with the endless sunlight– these works become imprints, queering timelines between past and present.
The video work captured on a camcorder is played on a loop, with text by the artist reflecting on their experience in their body navigating public space. Oscillating between feelings of abrasion and endurance. Beneath this lays a sculpture piece with 102 resin and plaster casts of discarded trans needles, representative of 2 years of HRT injections. The 2 year timeline references The “Real Life” test, a diagnostic tool in the medical system implemented to gatekeep trans people from accessing life-saving care. This was developed as a part of the 1980’s Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA) guidelines that stipulated in order for trans folks to access gender affirming care, they must provide documented proof of living in their “chosen” gender for 2 years. The repetitive and laborious process in creating this work is a reflection on how time is often used as qualitative data in the “trans experience”. It also speaks to the performance trans folks must offer to be able to access care, and the fragile line between exposure and safety.
The final piece uses the site of a sauna– a historical and contemporary space of cruising, to frame a reflection of my trans body occupying space. A cyanotype textile is draped much like a body cascading down the steps, with marks reflecting the imprints of sweat onto wood panels.
References;
Metamorphosis Magazine - Rupert Raj
“In a Queer Time and Place”, Author Jack Halberstam
“Side Affects: On Being Trans and Feeling Bad”, Author Hil Malatino
Cyanotype on Arches, 8 x 11”, Plaster and Resin Cast T-Injection Needle. Testosterone Vial.
Video Projection, Sculpture of 104 individually cast Plaster and Resin T-Injection Needles.
Film Still, shot on Camcorder, 1 min 20 sec.
Detail Shot, Sculpture of 104 (2 years worth of) individually cast Plaster and Resin T-Injection Needles.
Cyanotype on Cotton Fabric, 5 ft x 4 ft. Cyanotype on Arches, 5” x 5”. Cyanotype on Arches, 8” x 11”.
Cyanotype on Cotton Fabric, 3 ft x 6 ft. Plaster Sculpture.