Marla Bishop, Floral Pride (Art 2020)

Floral Pride is an installation of images of non-binary and trans people in relation to their corresponding Pride flag colours. Rarely do we explore the celebration of non-binary individuals when we discuss the notion of pride within the LGBTQIA+ community, and solely express this through terms such as “gay” or “queer” that act as a generalised definition of what it means to belong within the community itself. As a specifically non-binary team, we decided to express these underrepresented aspects of pride florally and androgynously, as it is not only aesthetically pleasing but blurs the lines between what it means to exist within or outside of the gender binary. To use the flowers to mimic facial hair symbolises individual growth within oneself in regards to their identity, and how it has blossomed into its external, authentic expression. From this project we, as a team, hope to further encourage the extension of dialogue around “Pride” and the various gender identities and sexual orientations that exist within it. We love our rainbows, and have celebrated them within this series, but it is time to also acknowledge specific expressions if we are to continue promoting inclusivity within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.