P-R-I-M-O LGBTQ exhibits
COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
QUEER. PUNK.
Hustlers. Rent boys. Punk rockers. Unknown artists. Junkies. Thieves and outcasts — and that’s just a description of the crowd they’re expecting at the opening night reception! Seriously. It’s also a fairly comprehensive catalog of the types who populate the work of Fernando Carpaneda. His exhibition “Queer. Punk.” is packed with smooth statues of rough trade that “reflect the extraordinary side of the human element.” His dicey subjects are recreated to the minutest detail in clay — and the ones who are actually wearing clothes are doing so courtesy of bits and pieces from the artist’s own troubled wardrobe. Throughout, Carpaneda’s work recalls the style of the17th century paintings of secular subjects — with an uncompromisingly queer injection of urban street life. The unveiling: Sat., June 25, 6-11pm. Then, open from 1-6pm daily, June 26 to July 2, at The Leslie/Lohman Basement Annex (127-B Prince St., corner of Prince & Wooster Sts.). For info, call 212-431-2609 or visit kymaraonline.com.
RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART: “TRANSGENDER & TRANSFORMATION” TOUR
The contemplation-friendly Rubin Museum of Art — a nonprofit cultural and educational institution dedicated to the art of the Himalayas — invites you to mull over this question: How does a deity transform, over a 500 year period, from male to female form? To explore that question, one may very well need a map and a Sherpa Guide. But why distract the other guests with your loud map folding and unfolding? RMA will provide a guide to walk you through the above-mentioned conundrum. Their tour, “Transgender and Transformation,” takes a look at the artistic redefinition of gender in the history of Buddhism. You may never look at Buddhism — and gender identity — the same way ever again; and that’s a good thing! To book a guided tour, call 212-620-5000, x345. The Rubin Museum of Art is located at 150 W. 17 St. (btw. 6th & 7th Aves.). Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/students. Free for children 12 and younger. Free gallery admission every Fri., 6-10pm. Hours: Mon., 11am-5pm; Wed., 11am-7pm; Thurs., 11am-5pm; Sat./Sun., 11am-6pm. For info, visit rmanyc.org.
THE COMPANY OF MEN
Why rely upon the kindness of strangers when you can get so much more from the company of men you already know? This solo exhibition from George Towne is jam-packed with the penises and the pecs (and even the faces!) of the men who’ve impacted, influenced and altered his “personal journey towards self-realization.” Towne, who cites Old Masters Caravaggio and Velasquez as influences, certainly brings their lust for flesh to the table — but a self-aware, out-of-the-closet examination of gay male masculinity and beauty is also on display here (along with the constant specter of AIDS-era loss and regret). Combined, each one of these potent factors creates a body of work that’s less about dangling body parts than a missionary zeal to peer into that part of ourselves that can be revealed, at least momentarily, in the spark in an otherwise unknowable man’s eye. Through July 9. At Michael Mut Gallery (97 Ave. C, btw. 6th & 7th Sts.). Hours: Thurs., Fri., 5-9pm; Sat., Sun., 1pm-6pm — and also by appointment. For info, visit michaelmutgallery.com or call 212-677-7868. Also visit georgetowneart.com.
