The visual research for the exhibition began with color studies, searching for color combinations that would best represent gender. The common acceptance of baby girls being adorned in pink and baby boys in blue made shades of these colors obvious choices.
Originally, I intended to print the photo backdrops onto wispy white banners, floating behind the costumes. However, while exploring ideas, I discovered an image of a mannequin stepping out of a torn paper backdrop and was intrigued. Just as pink and blue were obvious color choices, having the figures "coming-out" of torn paper backgrounds was perhaps a bit cliché, but still a no-brainer as most of the dancers featured in the exhibition were LGBTQ.
Clothing is typically displayed on mannequins or dress forms but the costumes for Gender Neutralrequired a different approach. A significant number of the costumes were from the Trocks, male ballet dancers donning tutus. Most of which were too small for the male mannequins and too large for the female dress forms, plus the female forms had breasts, which the Trocks did not. In some instances, male torsos were combined with female legs to achieve the appropriate appearance.
A more difficult problem to solve was, how could we illustrate to the viewer that men had worn these very feminine ballerina tutus or that women portrayed Mercutio and Tybalt in the featured performance of Romeo and Juliet? Another consideration was the tongue-in-cheek humor the Trocks are noted for which may get lost on a faceless mannequin or dress form.
Incorporating large photos of actual dancers in the costumes on display was the solution. Black and white images with exaggerated make-up in pinks and blues provided a dramatic back-drop while the hairy chests and armpits added a humorous contradiction to the delicate costumes.
Originally, I intended to print the photo backdrops onto wispy white banners, floating behind the costumes. However, while exploring ideas, I discovered an image of a mannequin stepping out of a torn paper backdrop and was intrigued. Just as pink and blue were obvious color choices, having the figures "coming-out" of torn paper backgrounds was perhaps a bit cliché, but still a no-brainer as most of the dancers featured in the exhibition were LGBTQ.
Several display cases were included in the exhibition providing opportunities to display ephemera such as programs, photographs as well as a few recently acquired rare head pieces.
In attendance at the opening reception was the entire Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo troupe as well as founding members and former dancers.
A previous donation from Natch Taylor, one of the original founders of the Trocks, sparked the idea for this exhibition. He has since donated additional items and the company itself intends to donate a portion of the items on display at the conclusion of the exhibition.
Susan Blackburn photos