Photographic Collage

Confusion, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photographic collage

My intention was to create a confusing image which distracts the viewer from questioning the gender of the subject immediately.  I used physical methods of photo manipulation and collage so that I would have a more personal connection with the piece and so the manipulation wasn't as subtle as if it were done digitally.

Manipulated Portraits

Pinned, Chaz Howkins, 2016, manipulated photographs

Sewn, Chaz Howkins, 2016, manipulated photographs

Further manipulated portraits to represent a struggle of being torn between identities.

Performance Costume

Dress Up, Chaz Howkins, 2016, clothing and shoes

I hung this version of the costume and wore the other version for my performance at the private view of the Does it Matter? exhibition.  

Does it matter? Opening Night

The private view of my first ever solo exhibition was a huge success, couldn't be happier with how it went.  I performed for the duration of the opening (2 hours) interacting with the audience and engaging them with my work.

Does it matter? Exhibition

http://www.arts.lboro.ac.uk/calendar/event/arts_pass_exhibition:_does_it_matter/

Very excited about the opening night tonight, hoping the event is a success and my performance goes to plan.

Does It Matter? Video

Video editing in progress

Still from 'Does It Matter?', Chaz Howkins, 2016, video still

Does It Matter? Video

Still from 'Does It Matter?', Chaz Howkins, 2016, video still

Still from 'Does It Matter?', Chaz Howkins, 2016, video still 

Still from 'Does It Matter?', Chaz Howkins, 2016, video still

Does It Matter? Video

Still from 'Does It Matter?', Chaz Howkins, 2016, video still

Still from 'Does It Matter?', Chaz Howkins, 2016, video still

Manipulated Portraits

Torn Apart, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo collage

Further collaging of Charlotte and Chad to represent hiding an alternative identity but having it show through.

Manipulated Portraits

Hide, Chaz Howkins, 2016, acrylic on photograph 

Cover Up, Chaz Howkins, 2016, acrylic on photograph

Burn Out, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

Torn Out, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

I manipulated these portraits using physical methods such as painting, drawing, burning and ripping so that the subject is distorted and their identity is questioned.  I used physical manipulation techniques rather than digital to give the images more presence and make them more personal.

Manipulated Portraits

Crossover 1, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

Crossover 2, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

Crossover Sections, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

I collaged images of Charlotte and Chad to represent an internal conflict of identity and to explore the extent to which you can cross over features of characters of different genders before their gender is questioned.

Woven Portraits

Woven Portraits, Chaz Howkins, 2016, woven photographs

Proud: A Celebration Of Pride Exhibition

Two of my pieces in the exhibition

A small exhibition but still a good opportunity to have my work seen by a wider audience.

Distorted Portraits

Distorted Portraits - Beard Hole, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

Distorted Portraits - Makeup, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

Distorted Portraits - Long Lips, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

I created these distorted portraits by moving the images around while photocopying them.  I feel these images aren't as successful as the distorted bodies, however I plan to use them as a part of future collages.

Distorted Bodies

Distorted Bodies - Wide, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

Distorted Bodies - Line, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

Distorted Bodies - Float, Chaz Howkins, 2016, photo manipulation

I used a photocopier to distort these images of myself dressed as Chad.  The intention was to create confusing imagery which distracts the viewer from immediately questioning the gender of the subject.

Shakespeare Exhibition

Elizabethan Self Portrait, Chaz Howkins, 2016, acrylic

Selfie with my selfie 

I created this painting for a Shakespeare themed exhibition.  My intention was to create a classical style portrait of a genderqueer subject to communicate that genderqueer people have always existed and that challenging gender expectations is not a contemporary concept.

Progress of Elizabethan Self Portrait