Philip Steele

Philip Steele’s work focuses on the deconstruction of the mechanisms of visual language, specifically as it pertains to gay representation. This contributes to an understanding of the systems of operation that construct and define gay identity.

His work investigates the problematics of how codified symbols and metaphors represent same sex desire. He attempts to arrest exoticization, exploitation, denial of certain bodies, and stereotyping. His process allows him to control at least some of the mechanisms of how he and his community are presented, perceived and exist. Steele sees this as his unapologetic position on the representation of acts of gay desire lust, and love.