Chris Vargas, artist, and David Frantz, curator, discuss LGBTQ archives, their new book 'Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects,' and the challenges of reclaiming trans and queer history. They explore the increasing visibility of trans artists, the impact of the actors strike, and the process of creating a cohesive narrative for the book. They also discuss finding writers, contextualizing objects, accessing culture through video stores, and Chris's ability to imagine and create things that don't yet exist.
The book 'Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects' showcases a curated selection of art and archival objects, providing a multi-dimensional exploration of trans history and experience.
The book challenges traditional binary narratives by presenting a range of gender transgressions and queer histories, celebrating the resilience and struggles of trans individuals throughout history.
The creation of projects like Martha emphasizes the power of imagination, creative playfulness, and the ability to envision new possibilities in challenging societal norms.
Deep dives
The origins of Martha
Martha, the Museum of Trans History and Art, began in 2013 as a poster promoting a fictional museum. The project aimed to spark imagination and speculation about what a trans museum could showcase. It explored the tension between the increasing visibility of trans individuals in mainstream institutions and the loss of nuance and complexity in trans narratives. The project evolved into a series of six exhibitions and eventually led to the creation of the book 'Trans Here Street in 99 Objects.'
Unveiling the 99 objects
The book 'Trans Here Street in 99 Objects' features a curated selection of art, archival objects, and creative reinterpretations of lost or unrepresentable historical artifacts. These objects are organized into nine sections, each exploring different aspects of trans history and experience, including refusal, transformation, hyper visibility, sensation, deities, discovery, restage, traces, and spaces. The book pairs each object with a writer or text that provides context and connections, creating a multi-dimensional and nuanced exploration of trans history.
Challenging binary narratives
The book challenges traditional binary narratives, presenting a range of gender transgressions and queer histories that go beyond simplistic categorizations. It includes objects and stories that celebrate the creativity, resilience, and struggles of trans and gender non-conforming individuals throughout history. By incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences, the book offers a more comprehensive understanding of trans identities and narratives.
The power of imagination
Chris Vargas, the creator of Martha, draws inspiration from the power of imagination. Vargas' early exposure to films like John Waters' 'Desperate Living' shaped his perspective on what was possible and allowed him to challenge societal norms and dream of alternative worlds. Vargas emphasizes the importance of creative playfulness, DIY spirit, and the ability to envision new possibilities in the creation of projects like Martha.
Balancing within institutions
David Frantz, a curator involved in the project, reflects on the challenges of working within institutional spaces. Frantz highlights the need to challenge and expand queer narratives within these institutions while navigating their limitations and biases. Projects like Martha offer opportunities to critically examine and reimagine the role and influence of institutions in shaping cultural history and representation.
Artist Chris Vargas and curator David Frantz of the Museum of Trans Hirstory and Art (MOTHA) talk LGBTQ archives, John Waters, and their new book, "Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects."
Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gendered world.