Comments on: Art Deco: The Gay Lodestone?

By: Alyn

Alyn — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:27:18 +0000

Good for people to know.

By: Lynell Robertson

Lynell Robertson — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:33:39 +0000

I fell in love with Art Deco at the age of fourteen, in a cool antique store one afternoon with my parents. I was fascinated with it, and as I looked, around, I realized the young man tending the shop that afternoon was obviously gay. But he was kind to me and my little brother, which was more than you can say for some people. He wanted to tell us about everything, was helpful. Perhaps there was an affiliation with the style, it is certainly over the top and exciting, which is why I collect it. But I do not believe it is exclusive to gay men, in fact , a fellow I used to work with, who was also gay, didn’t really get into the style too much and was even bored when I would discuss it with him. Deco is simply in and of itself, gorgeous, flamboyant, mysterious and stately, bizarre at times, theatrical certainly, but the beauty of it, is that it has something for everyone., be it streamlined chrome, zigZag Terra Cotta panels or those kitschy Frankart green nude figurines. I collect those, but it doesn’t classify me as a lesbian because I like them. It is an art form, pure and simple, and I hope it goes on forever. Buy antiques and vintage, support preservation, before its gone.

By: Steve Durbin

Steve Durbin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:00:37 +0000

mooby,

I haven’t previously come across the idea that symmetry might tend to be a masculine trait, but it sounds plausible in a pop psychology sort of way (which is how I normally take such assertions). It will be interesting to consider that as I look at art in future.

Perhaps anyone who even thinks about their identity is insecure to some degree, which is probably a good thing, but regardless I think it’s very natural to be interested in and explore one’s identity. I didn’t feel there was any attempt at justification or ownership, concepts which, as you say, don’t exactly make sense here.

For anyone interested, I came across what looks to be a fairly significant book on this topic.

By: mooby

mooby — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 03:27:25 +0000

i guess deco conveys an aspect of the feminine, whilst having streamlined, often masculine edges and symmetry. so maybe it appeals in that way? im not gay and i like deco, but i’m a little more feminine-artistically inclined too. maybe your average cliched hetero jock doesnt notice all those purdy buldings to even decide whather he likes it or not?
i think the more pertinent question relates to the homosexual community seeking validation through external forms. a persecuted section of the population will often be (whether conscious or not) insecure about their identity.
you dont need a building to ‘justify’ queer culture. if you like it, you like it, dont ‘own’ it in the name of the queer. you cant have it. heteros like it too and we were more than willing to share … :)
perhaps more energy into redressing homophobia, etc…?

By: 7 5/8 LO

7 5/8 LO — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:47:12 +0000

If Deco were an intrinsically gay form, then we would expect few or no straights to have “gotten it” enough to do good work in it or in allied genres. Given the huge popularization of Deco and Moderne in industrial and commercial design, the culture would have to have been pretty much crawling with Teh Ghey, and no doubt would have attracted a lot more wrath from goody-goodies and would-be protectors of the public morals - right down to the shapes of car fenders and the packaging of toothpaste tubes. It didn’t happen.

Another thing: it’s not really fair to judge the “masculinity” or “femininity” of a style, or even an era, by the gender typing of the present day. Check beyond the common wisdom of academia and you’ll find that masculinity, especially, wasn’t quite so one-dimensional before WWII and the cold war as it later became.

Great piece - food for thought, even though I differ with your conclusions.

By: Rex

Rex — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:26:28 +0000

Dear Richard,
Definitely, there is something to it… No doubt. My own obsession with Art Deco came even before I realized I was into boys, at the tender age of 10 or 11. Here is my question: Art Deco has always been referred to as “masculine” art, as opposite to Art Nouveau, which in turn is usually referred to as “feminine.” It is the former that is a magnet for gays, not the latter. Any thoughts?
Yours,
Rexie

By: Sharon Koskoff

Sharon Koskoff — Sun, 06 May 2007 15:15:01 +0000

Karl,
In answer to your question I feel that painting murals can be more masculine than femine…….. while climbing on 2 tier scaffolding and ladders, wearing work clothes spattered with paint, construction boots, carrying 5 gallon buckets of paint, I just don’t feel as feminine as my friends who who wear nailpolish, 4″ high heels and lots of jewelry. ( Of course, on the weekends I can express my feminine side if I choose.) But painting murals is extremely physical and a lot less “damsel in distress”…..Visit my website http://www.BySharon.com