Tonia Indigo Hughes
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SALT ~ Installation includes: duel channel videos, sound, rock salt and bridal veil cloth.  SALT was also included in the solo exhibition, Wanna Watch, an exhibition containing five video installation projects.  A gallery view of that exhibition is included above as well as views of SALT alone.

Salt is a rich metaphor of duality. It is composed of two elements, sodium and chloride. It can heal and cleanse infection, but causes pain if rubbed into a wound; it can preserve meat, but corrode metal. In this installation, salt symbolizes the opposing views of homosexuality. Some see being gay as sick, perverse, or abnormal. For those who are gay, accepting themselves is liberating and necessary for finding happiness and fulfillment. The women in this video installation are acting as peaceful soldiers much like the civil rights warriors in our past: Gandhi, King and Parks. Where King and Gandhi lead marches and Parks simply sat, these women fight by standing before you, refusing the denial of the lesbian and female bisexual community. They are powerful in that they present themselves on their own terms, yet they are vulnerable in their openness to reveal their sexual orientation. The boundary line of salt is like a metaphorical dam offering a protective barrier between the lesbian community and those who would strip them of freedom and deny their existence. The intent of SALT is to portray people as people. You are being given a choice: stand and stare in opposition, or work to defend this population and their right to pursue happiness. Your choice affects us all.


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