Heart in a hurry

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, May 30, 6-8 pm at Open Studio.

Heart in a Hurry is a continuation of Siu’s ongoing exploration into Queer figuration inspired by Yaoi, a genre of gay-themed, Japanese romance manga, this time through the medium of cyanotype. Cyanotype is a contact printing process where objects (traditionally photo transparencies or botanicals) are placed on UV light-sensitive paper to create trace-like, ephemeral images. While normally used to produce photographic results, Siu uses the medium unconventionally, layering cut paper and drawings to construct illusionistic and ghostly Queer figures. Working quickly to form intuitive narratives, Siu imagines the cyanotype process as both a form of print and a form of intimate drawing.

In this series, Siu responds to the emotional and sensual tone of Yaoi, taking visual inspiration from the highly melodramatic compositions often featured on its novel covers. The works depict figures experiencing awakening desires, burgeoning self-discovery or isolating loneliness. They are at times playful and flirtatious, and at other times melancholic – reflecting the sense of Queer longing and fantasy that’s portrayed in the Yaoi genre.

In particular, Siu unpacks the “bishounen” (“beautiful boy”) archetype of a male youth who is depicted with more androgynous, delicate and feminine traits. In Yaoi specifically, female authors typically craft these characters to appeal to female audiences. However, these figures take on a Queer-coded significance when imported to a Western context. In exploring this archetype, Siu unpacks romanticized mythologies around Queer bodies, while also offering entry points for Queer Asian subjecthood.

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Ron Siu’s practice incorporates printmaking, painting and animation elements to explore contemporary themes around Queer desire and fantasy. His work is informed by both Western and Asian art historical canons, decorative art movements, and more contemporary pop sources such as Queer-themed manga, video games and supernatural horror. By connecting seemingly disparate cross-cultural threads, Siu aims to express a contemporary sense of Queer imagination.

Siu graduated with his BFA in Drawing & Painting at OCAD University in 2019. His work has been shown in exhibitions across Canada and internationally in Scotland and Germany. Siu has also participated in multiple residencies, including being an artist-in-residence at Centre[3] in Hamilton and Atelier Circulaire in Montreal.

Sponsor acknowledgement: Ron Siu gratefully acknowledges funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council.

Exhibition documentation courtesy of Darren Rigo.