‍Occlusion Field is a singular moment in time and space made of the stuff of trans defense mechanism: tattoos, liquid gender concepts and hormonally transforming surfaces that come together to speak to an idiosyncrasy, a gestalt, a whole that transcends its constitutive parts. The Field is a shifting space of images and materials that represent the space between you and me. Beyond that space is me and you, respectively: two Occlusions who belie understanding, who promote narratives of deflection and anxiety. The Field however, isn’t necessarily keen to divulge its disparate natures; it needs to be seen, first.

Built from printed matter depicting locales, bodily matters, illustrations from tattooed queers and miscellany meant to prop up a presentation, Occlusion Field is a means to prove existence despite absence. The artist exists at its centre, but the exact nature of their form and function is deliberately obscured. Aerosolizing the body, denying romantic distance with clutter, demurring from direct definition, this transfemme is nonetheless present and engaged. Ultimately a reflection on boundaries and barriers, Occlusion Field scrutinizes the artist’s personal strategies of building meaningful self-expression as a trans person, defying the limits imposed by socially-enforced legibility in gender and sexuality.

May G N is a Calgary-based transfeminine artist, writer and administrator. She works with lo-fi digital print methods and editorial strategies to create experiential works that investigate clarity and abstraction regarding transgendered bodies. Currently working with The New Gallery as Communications and Outreach Coordinator, May G N has presented work at organizations including Truck Contemporary, Untitled Art Society and Left Contemporary. She was the media correspondent for M:ST 9 in 2018, a continuation of her effort to advocate for works of queer art journalism within the arts community in Calgary.

Presented in partnership with Esker Foundation.

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