“inTimacy” 2010 – 2016, on-going

Image Credit: Vivian Hoang

This is my most significant art project. I am not ready to word an “artistic statement” yet, as the series is ongoing. Since 2010 when I began taking testosterone, I have had a different person, never a licensed medical professional though there have been trained medics and a formerly licensed doctor give me my shot: Every time. This requires me to reach outside myself at least once every two weeks to provide an experience for another person, while also taking care of both myself and the other by being informative and open in guiding the process. Currently, there have been 160 people. These are family, friends, acquaintances, friends of friends, and occasionally strangers found on the spot, through common interest, at events. I attempt to find someone that I feel nearer to or synchronized with at that time, or someone who is signalling interest, or one who is connected to where my I “am” – a scene, an endeavour, a question – at that time.

I do not document but allow people to document as they like. I consider the givers to be collaborators and invite them to bring their own political, spiritual, or arts practice into it. It has been noted by several participant-collaborators that my body is possibly “the document.” I make notes, including at least the name of the person and the order in which they came in series, usually including the location/place/event, and exact date. Usually, I repeat the same series of four questions afterwards, and invite questions in return to be asked freely during the time between that person’s experience and my next shot. The “score” adjust slightly in these ways because of practical restraints – shots happen anywhere, anytime, sometimes spontaneously – or out of respect for the necessity of each peculiar moment.

The ending, if one ever comes, will include me giving myself the last shot, alone, but possibly live broadcast.