Shape Shifters: Queering the Metaverse: Joseph Abbati

As an emerging space that offers the potential for greater representation and inclusivity for marginalized groups, including the queer community, the metaverse provides a platform for individuals to express themselves in ways that may not be possible in the physical world. With the ability to customize avatars and create virtual spaces, LGBTQIA+ individuals can explore and express their gender identity and sexual orientation in a more comfortable and accepting environment. Abbati's figurative paintings are a reflection of this, looking at our biases and preconceptions of queer identity. His tondo paintings, circular studies of metamorphosis, offer a surrealist glimpse into the shape-shifting experiences of queer individuals, daring us to recognize the beauty in nonconformity and embrace diversity as the lifeblood of our existence.  Infused with Abbati's background in graphic arts, each photo-like rendering in these paintings creates a new meta-world, a metaverse where meaning is rooted in the essence of queerness. Through a series of studies, three to four paintings each, Abbati invites us to embark on a journey of exploration to discover the possibilities for constructing a reality not dictated by the confines of a heteronormative society.   “Shape Shifters” is a metaphorical representation of the lives of queer individuals, showcasing their resilience and strength in navigating a world that often seeks to limit their identity. Abbati’s paintings are a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the queer community and their ability to shape-shift in order to find their place in the world. Through his art, Abbati creates his own metaverse of the queer community. The exhibit features a collection of portraits, each one showcasing a unique aspect of the queer experience.