Tye Dandridge-Evancio | The Cabela Boys

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Tye Dandridge-Evancio, “Snow Bunnies,” 2020

(courtesy of the Gallery)

The artworks featured in this series are the result of my experiences growing up in a largely conservative community without a visible LGBTQ role model to emulate in my development as an individual. The lack of queer representation left me with limited resources through which to experiment, define, and accept my identity. This exhibition is a platform through which I articulate my search for a queer presence in mainstream society.

The Cabela Boys features paintings on wood panel depicting the exploits of a fictional character named Bashful and the band of scantily clad men he accompanies on various hunting trips. Though initially conceived as a humorous criticism of female dress in popular media, this series has evolved into a sincere exploration of queer identity. The shift in tone reflects my personal growth in coming to terms with my identity as a queer male artist, my sexuality, and the importance of representation to the development of an individual’s identity.