Portfolios Archive — Page 2 of 2

bad skin

a series of self-portraiture where kurtis uses his body to create a dialogue about self-image and sexuality

Category

bad skin is an ongoing series of nude self-portraiture by luke kurtis. Work from the series has been published in S/tick, a feminist literary journal,Erotica by Brian Centrone (New Lit Salon Press), and the artist’s own INTERSECTION zine. Work from this series has been exhibited in the group show Exposed at Gallery 1650 in Los Angeles.

Artist’s Statement

bad skin is not your usual set of nude photos. As a gay man with psoriasis—which has, at its worst, covered almost 80% of my body—it can be very difficult to maintain a positive body image. Psoriasis is a disorder which causes red, scaly, and often unsightly skin patches on the body. Facing the general public can be hard enough, but gay men can be particularly judgmental of each other’s bodies, especially in the age of Grindr.

Yet psoriasis not only affects the body. Research shows psoriasis patients have a greater risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. These are problems not typically addressed by dermatologists working with psoriasis patients.

bad skin is, therefore, a means to confront those challenges on a personal level. While at times I manipulate my image to see how my body really appears—beyond the bad skin—other times I present it exactly as it is, even highlighting the perceived flaws. I use photography to question, understand, and challenge my own perception of beauty and sexuality, and bring psychological healing where traditional medicine cannot help me. This allows me to enjoy my body in a way that I once felt was not even possible in the real world. I am more than my bad skin.

l.k. n.y.c.

muse

This series combines spirituality, science, fashion, history, and many more interests to create dense works that evoke both religious icons and tarot cards

Project Date

2013-2014

Category

design

View Project

muse is an ongoing series of digital collage works. Contrasted with my Jordan’s Journey project—a work that explores the idea of personal and collective memory through the lens of genealogical history—muse hones in on a sense of the historical as alternate reality. The muse images approach the symbolism of tarot cards or even religious icons yet function beyond that realm. The muses possess a psychedelic fashion sense while layers of scientific and technical imagery bring a sci-fi element to the works. These pieces illustrate my evolving collage technique and highlight my vision of a new world where spirituality and science are integrated aspects of the human experience.

The series currently contains over 30 works. Selected pieces were first displayed in a solo exhibition in Raleigh, NC in March 2013. Additional works from the series have been shown in group shows in Danbury, CT; Putnam; CT; and New York City.

Jordan’s Journey

A photography and writing project structured around the artist’s genealogical research

Project Date

2012

Category

design · exhibition · performance · photography · video · writing

Jordan’s Journey is an interdisciplinary art project that uses genealogical and historical research as a device to explore the idea of personal and collective memory. The central work is a linen hardcover bound book that the artist wrote, photographed, curated, and designed. The book is held in numerous collections throughout the country including the New York Public Library, Saint Louis County Library, and the Dallas Public Library. The Jordan’s Journey blog and videos extended the project beyond the printed page.

Jordan’s Journey is an artist book unlike any other you’ll ever encounter. You could spend hours soaking it all in–and I hope you will–but this video lets you absorb it in a super-quick 1’20”! Think you can read that fast? (Video originally made for the artist’s INTERSECTION Kickstarter campaign).

The project was featured in several publications (listed in order of publication date):

”The Past Uncovered: Author’s research uncovers deep-rooted families and long-lost communities in Northwest Georgia.” Rome News-Tribune, 12 Feb 2012: C1. Print.
”Jordan’s Journey Takes A Trip Into The Past Of NW Georgia And A Family.” The Summerville News, 23 Feb 2012: 1-B. Print.
McEntyre, Christi. ”Armuchee Valley native compiles family, area history in Jordan’s Journey.” Walker County Messenger, LaFayette, GA, 29 Feb 2012: Front Page. Print.
Jones, Jamie. ”Jordan’s Journey: Man explores his family ancestry, learns about links to Georgia’s history.” The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA, 30 Mar 2012: 5. Print.

Related articles and photography have appeared in Georgia Backroads. “The Scoggins Family and Subligna Go Way Back” appeared in the Winter 2012 edition while “We Are One People” was published in the Autumn 2013 issue.

The Jordan’s Journey video series explored a new dimension of genealogical storytelling not possible in the book. The short videos were written, directed, and edited by the artist and feature an original soundtrack composed by Michael Harren.

The artist also presented two multimedia lectures and a photographic installation in conjunction with the project.