SomoS Arts in Berlin is delighted to present the solo exhibition “When I Think about a Minotaur” by the esteemed American multidisciplinary artist, Heyd Fontenot. From December 6, 2023, to January 13, 2024, Fontenot’s captivating paintings and drawings will take centre stage, shedding light on the richly queer undertones of mythology.
Fontenot deftly unmasks the inherent queerness concealed beneath the fig leaves of mythology in his thought-provoking exhibition. “When I Think about a Minotaur” invites viewers to delve into the multifaceted narratives of Greek mythology, which symbolically explore the diverse spectrum of LGBTQ+ relationships and identities. The artist’s work emboldens mythology, not as an antiquated storytelling form, but rather as a vibrant and evolving commentary on human experiences and sexualities that defy societal norms.
Known for his appreciation of hermetic symbology within secret societies, Fontenot masterfully reveals the subtle queer sensibilities submerged in pre-Stonewall artistry. In his exhibition, he pays homage to the coded visual language of “Greek Ideals” and reclaims its witty, clandestine excitement, and inherent subversiveness.
Fontenot’s drawings breathe life into an intimate sphere where the mythological intertwines with the personal. Through his skilled utilization of symbolism, he presents a powerful tool for liberation. In a cultural landscape still overshadowed by outdated taboos surrounding nudity, Fontenot’s artwork implores a renaissance of perception by challenging observers to view the naked form not merely as sexual, but as an emblem of vulnerability, intimacy, and unvarnished truth. By dismantling the idolization of the ‘ideal’ physique, Fontenot champions body positivity and fluidity, physically and conceptually placing the real body on a pedestal.
Among the featured drawings are figures such as centaurs, Medusa, and various characters that appear innately human. As viewers navigate the gallery space, they embark on a labyrinthine journey—an allegory of life’s intricate paths, laden with joy, mistakes, and the ever-present reality of our own internal Minotaurs.
At the core of Fontenot’s narrative lies a nuanced contemplation of the Minotaur himself—a figure often misinterpreted. In this exhibition, he articulates a sense of ambivalence, expressing both compassion for the Minotaur’s solitary suffering and a critique of the toxic masculinity that figures like Pablo Picasso appropriated through the myth. This critique serves as a reflection of broader societal and cultural malaise.
Fontenot’s labyrinth becomes an invitation to escape the oppressive Minotaur and uncover the tender subtleties of human connection. Ultimately, the artist encourages a celebration of consensual delight, liberated from the constraints of dominance.
More than a mere series of mythological representations, this collection serves as a deciphering of the timeless map of the human psyche—an offering of solace through the shared odyssey of existence. Fontenot aptly reflects, “Like sailors steering by celestial bodies, these ancient stories guide us, reminding us of the shared journey of humanity—past, present, and future. Someone has been this way before; you aren’t the first to pass this way, and you won’t be the last.”
“When I Think about a Minotaur” stands as a testament to the enduring power of myths to speak to our deepest selves, offer consolation, and chart a resilient course through the complex waters of identity and existence.
About Heyd Fontenot
Originally from Louisiana, Heyd Fontenot is a renowned multidisciplinary artist who currently immerses himself in Berlin’s vibrant art scene through an extended residency at SomoS. With a dynamic career spanning various roles, from experimental filmmaker in the 1990s to designer, art director, producer, painter, curator, and director of the Central Trak Artists Residency at The University of Texas at Dallas and Sala Diaz / Casa Chuck Exhibition Space & Artist Residency in San Antonio, Fontenot’s artistic journey is punctuated by versatility and a multidisciplinary approach. Celebrated for his empathetic and humorous approach, Fontenot fearlessly challenges societal norms by respectfully and candidly exploring themes of nudity, human vulnerability, and identity. His thought-provoking art has earned acclaim across the United States, with exhibitions at notable venues like the Galveston Arts Center in Texas. www.instagram.com/heydf
For more information about the artist, please visit here.
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