Gori Mora’s exhibition “Burning Desires” at Unit, London, explores queer identity and intimacy through unique oil-on-perspex techniques. The works feature symbols like bitten apples and nocturnal settings, addressing themes of safety and connection within the queer community.
Gori Mora’s solo exhibition, “Burning Desires,” at Unit in London immerses viewers in themes of queer identity, intimacy, and belonging. The exhibition showcases works blending indoor and outdoor scenes to create “safe spaces” filled with symbolic motifs like bitten apples, celestial bodies, and nightlife elements. Mora’s use of oil on perspex requires him to construct his pieces in reverse, enhancing the artwork’s light diffusion and protective qualities. Central to Mora’s mission is fostering a better understanding of queer intimacy, combating fear that leads to inequality. Drawing inspiration from the secret worlds of artists like Leonora Carrington and Philip Guston, Mora’s exploration of night-time settings underscores the refuge they provide for queer individuals. Among key pieces, “Inferno Boulevard” features a dramatic cabaret scene with reflections on desire and original sin, juxtaposing sinfulness and divinity. Mora’s fragmented compositions are rich with intimate motifs, showcasing figures often depicted partially or turned away, drawing parallels between objects and identity construction. The underwater scene in “Union” further contrasts with earlier settings, presenting another realm of safe haven away from societal pressures. Overall, Mora’s works celebrate closeness and remind us to cherish spaces of safety within our communities.
The exhibition represents a significant exploration of queer identity through art. Gori Mora is an artist who uses unique techniques to depict themes of intimacy in spaces often overlooked by mainstream narratives. His use of light and reverse painting on perspex sets a reflective tone that encourages the audience to engage thoughtfully with the works. The motifs and scenes chosen reflect both personal and collective experiences within the queer community, highlighting the importance of safety and belonging.
In summary, “Burning Desires” invites audiences to contemplate the complexities of queer intimacy through visually striking works that intertwine personal and societal themes. By constructing ‘safe spaces’ within his art, Mora acknowledges the struggles faced by queer individuals while celebrating the connections that unite them.
Original Source: ocula.com