On exhibit at the Rats 9 Gallery is the show Queer Portraits by artist and photographer JJ Levine. Levine is a Montreal-based queer and transgender artist who received a BFA in Photography and Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality from Concordia University. Levine’s work has received many accolades and has been exhibited nationally and internationally at artist-run spaces, mainstream galleries, art festivals and symposiums.

Being queer is not so much about identifying with fixed labels such as being gay or lesbian, but rather is a way of personal expression where one is conscious that gender is more than just male and female. The portrait photos explore these issues surrounding gender, sexuality, self-identity, and queer space. Levine has been quoted as saying “As a queer artist whose work deals with self-representation, the categories queer and art are inextricably linked for me…My work is so connected to my queer identity that my own gender and sexuality influence every aspect of my art practice.”

The Queer Portraits exhibit is made up of large colour prints stuck directly to the wall of the gallery without the use of frames or special wall mounts. All the subjects are looking directly at the camera and are mostly in sitting positions.  All the portraits are taken in a household environment with furniture and familiar objects adding to the arrangement of the shot.  While the theme of Levine’s work is the presentation of queer art, the pictures in this exhibit still follow the conventions of the traditional portrait.

In a word, the photos presented are absolutely beautiful; not only in their composition but in the way the spirits of the subjects have been carefully captured by the camera. The colors are somewhat saturated making for a pungent affect but the faces and bodies are in clear focus.  It is also interesting to note that the photos themselves are of a particular dimension so as to almost be life-size. This makes for a much stronger impression on the viewer who is pulled into to the scene and introduced to a host of unknown individuals.

In most of Levine’s work, the models are mostly made up of close friends and lovers, and this allows for the conception of art that is distinctively intimate account of the queer community. In some of the photos, there are subjects presented in various forms of dress that stretch the issue of gender roles and encourage the viewer to question their own identity.

This exhibit is thought provoking in its presentation and in it’s to explore a queer space that is uniquely urban Montreal.

Rats 9 Gallery, space 530
JJ Levine
Queer Portraits 2010-2012
October 17 – November 5, 2012
www.rats9.com