Scott LaForce

Abstract

Using photographic installation and new media, Bugchaser: Protective Measures examines risk in response to perceived danger as engaged by bug chasers (or bugchasers) and suburbanites in the United States. The work explores this theme through the contrasting nature of queer social networks and the physical boundaries of the suburban landscape.

Ultimately, this work uproots conventional notions of intimacy as conscribed by the suburban middle-class and de-stigmatizes unconventional behaviors by challenging boundaries that needlessly divide. I have taken liberty with metaphor and used it in an attempt to reverse some of the damages brought forth through historical practices. If the viewer has a chance to observe suburban boundaries — contextualized by me, as a queer man raised in a suburban environment — set against the ends to which some queer men will go in order to defy other enforced physical and social boundaries, then perhaps a dialogue will open up questioning current solutions to dilemmas of danger and risk.

Publication Date

12-23-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Imaging Arts (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Photographic Arts and Sciences (CIAS)

Advisor

Carla Williams

Advisor/Committee Member

Michael Peres

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at N6498.V53 L34 2013

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IMGART-MFA

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