discrimiNATION - John Julio Romano, Parsons School of Design

Parsons School of Design
BFA program

Bear #8
C-print, 30" x 26"

Larry
C-print, 30" x 26"

Artist Statement

My current project addresses the idea of beauty as it pertains to my subculture within the gay community. The project deals with "Bears" (large and hairy gay men). These men are not only socially discriminated against because of their weight but also face similar discrimination within the gay culture because of their physical appearance.

"Bear Beauty," my current photographic project, challenges the traditional aesthetics and conventional notions of male beauty. Utilizing conventional photographic techniques I strip away the social preconceived notions of photo portraiture as it relates to large men. The notions of distasteful and ugly are not in my work; I deny their arbitrary existence.

These men dubbed "Bears" in the gay community gain a respectful exposure as well as an introduction to a visual language heretofore historically lacking. The work offers an audience graceful images of men, hairy and big by conventional standards. The images are produced within a cultural and artistic context that allows for an open visual dialog about the emotions of beauty in this under recognized gay subculture.

Bear # 3
C-print, 30" x 26"

Bear #6
C-print, 30" x 26"