sprinkle: an undergraduate journal of feminist and queer studies
Article Title
Abstract
This paper will take a closer look at Catherine Opie’s Self-Portrait series. Spanning a decade, from 1993 to 2004, each self-portrait is both reflective of an important time in Opie’s life, and are emblematic of a particular period in the LGBTQ movement. Traditional interpretations of these images have read them as independent of one another. When read together however, they present a subtle yet powerful statement on identity and desire. Using José Muñoz’ disidentification theory as a critical lens, I plan to unpack these images and offer new insights that will bring them in line with contemporary queer theory. While iconic on their own, when read together they create a dialogue that challenges the very concept of normal vs. abnormal and speaks to the validity an entire spectrum of individual identities.
Recommended Citation
June, Jenna
(2023)
"Standing Under a Sign to Which One Does Not Belong: Desire and (Dis)identification in Catherine Opie’s Self-Portrait Series,"
sprinkle: an undergraduate journal of feminist and queer studies: Vol. 10, Article 7.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/sprinkle/vol10/iss1/7
Included in
Art and Design Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies Commons