Pride & LGBTQIA+ Artworks

The engagement of artists has always given a voice to minorities through creative expression. In this way, sculptors, painters and photographers have played an important role in raising public awareness throughout the course of history, leading or accompanying societal changes. On the occasion of Pride month, let's dive deeper into LGBTQ+ representation in art.

Whilst during Classical Antiquity, homosexuality (in certain forms) was openly represented without taboos, it then disappeared completely from the history of art from the Middle Ages onwards.

It was only from the 20th century onwards that artists began to more openly express their sexuality in art again. For example, Frida Kahlo freed women from aesthetic and gender prejudices in her works. She presents the world with a woman who is in control of her body and in particular her sexual choices, thus moving away from society's traditional expectations.

Similarly, photographer Claude Cahun questions the theme of identity and gender in her photographs. As early as the 1920s, this precursor for self-portraiture took photos of herself with short hair, dressed as a man. As much in her dress as in her works, she plays with stereotypes to prevent the stagnancy of discourse surrounding gender and sexuality.

Other artists, such as Keith Haring, have chosen to act as artistic and political spokespersons. Indeed, this Pop Art leader quickly became involved in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as raising awareness of the AIDS epidemic. He has also joined forces with other artists, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, on projects to effect change through art.

In 1969, the Stonewall riots liberation led by to the creation of the first international Pride marches. In 2020, for the first time since 1969, they will not take place due to the health crisis, making it all the more important to show our support for this cause and give it visibility by other means.

Love is love, and it should be celebrated in all its forms, hence why Artsper has decided to highlight artists who have fought in their actions and art for the rights and representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Politically and socially engaged, sensual, gentle or provocative, discover our LGBTQ+ artworks in this collection.