The project Homophobia draws inspiration from the life and artistic practice of Frida Kahlo, whose work embodies profound psychological and physical conflict. It also references the Austrian artist Egon Schiele, known for his expressive depictions of contorted bodies that balance sharpness and softness in their lines and angles, as well as for his explicit exploration of sexuality and intimate relationships. The project explores the notion of psychological struggle through physical cohesion, where intertwined bodies symbolize internal conflict. Within these representations, symbols of both male and female genitalia are incorporated within the same body, reflecting the complexity of gender and identity. Additionally, chemical modifiers are introduced as metaphors for emotional attachment, sex hormones, and the biochemical aspects of desire. The presence of coded symbols throughout the work refers to historical strategies of self-protection among queer individuals who faced persecution and violence. Central to the visual composition is the red circle, symbolizing one of the seven colors of the rainbow—a compressed form of the LGBTQ+ flag. The dominance of red signifies societal rejerejection whileo alluding to the violence and death that often accompany failed medical or social attempts to “define” or “correct” sexual identity.
English