(Un)Defining Queer

About

This exhibition delves into the Whitworth’s collection to examine how we can use a queer lens to define what the term 'queer' means. Presenting collection works that have never been on display before as well as loans, the exhibition includes artists such as: Ajamu X, Niki de Saint Phalle, General Idea, David Hockney, Maggie Hambling, Pearl Alcock, Keith Vaughan, Matthew Bamber, Sarah-Joy Ford, Wolfgang Tilmans, Chester Tenneson, and Jez Dolan.

Co-led by an intersectional group of people who self-identify as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, and asexual), the project sets out to interrogate language, histories, and narratives within the Whitworth’s practice and collections. More specifically, the project and exhibition seek to redress historic omissions that have existed as a result of heteronormative museum practice.

As part of the exhibition, visitors will be invited to contribute to the development of the 'Queer Glossary', which will be used to give representation and visibility to members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the collection.