Papo Colo
Puerto Rican, born 1946Photogenics: Acting as Behavior, 1982
Not on view
Duotone on paper
Dimensions14 × 11 in. (35.6 × 27.9 cm)
Gift of Mr. Jack B. Pierson, 1990.2.2.6
This work is from a portfolio titled: Photogenics: Acting as Behavior. This portfolio, designed in conjunction with another entitled Photogenics: Photopoems, is composed of a sequence of images whose plot and order are intentionally elusive.
According to the portfolio’s introductory “Dialogue,” written by Jeanette Ingberman, in this image, “There develops a sexuality that pervades the whole surface of the work. Identity is created through anonymity, obstructions and the drama of desire… The artist, posing inside the photograph, is identifying his ‘others’ with himself.” The “others” to which Ingberman refers include members of the LGBTQ community, of which Colo was outspokenly supportive. In this work, the appeal of his body’s provocative position is not limited to the heterosexual gaze.
