Yesterday I attended my first art show ever and it was a really rewarding experience. Although I couldn’t stay for long, I had just enough time to appreciate the art characterized by vibrant colors, bold details, and an overarching theme of androgyny, and get to know the inspiration behind the artworks.

Carbonaro explained the ambiguity of sexuality and gender in his art pieces by revealing the environment in which he grew up. He mentioned that he was born in the suburban area of NYC and was surrounded by individuals who were struggling with gender dysmorphia. Many of them went through hormone treatment as early as mid 1900’s so that their appearance would reflect their inner state of mind. As a result Carbonaro said, “I grew up thinking I had to protect my sexuality.”

It’s fascinating how much you can learn about a person through the art that they create. Visuals really are worth a thousand words!

But to point out one of my favorite pieces, I’d like to mention the wall sculpture illustrating four heads of refugees. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to ask the artist the meaning behind this piece, but nonetheless this still remains one of my favorites. I guess the meaning is up to my own interpretation!