‘Perception of Queer Love’ - Video Creation 2/2
Disclaimer and Music Credit
This video was made during my degree in Fine Art at University, within this project I explored queer theory, relationships and social stigma with a heavy influence on the current issues for the LGBT Community, especially politics. This and a second video run alongside each other, one with audio I made and one with a song that inspires and evokes a lot of emotions. In no way am I the creator of this song or music. All credits go to the amazing Hozier. Thank you for your music, it's life-changing, impactful and inspiring.
Song choice for this video: Why did I choose this one specifically?
"Hozier's "Work Song" is a song that incorporates themes of love, devotion, and the passage of time. The lyrics suggest a deep and enduring love that transcends physical existence. The narrator expresses a commitment to their partner, even beyond death, and the song conveys a sense of eternal connection.
Using Hozier's "Work Song" as the soundtrack for a video featuring a queer couple dancing and interacting can create a powerful and emotive connection between the lyrics, the music, and the visuals, amplifying the themes of queer theory, relationships, social stigma, and historical context.
1. Lyric Connection: - The lyrics of "Work Song" often evoke themes of love, devotion, and resilience, which can resonate with the experiences of queer individuals navigating relationships amidst societal challenges. - Lines such as "When, my time comes around / Lay me gently in the cold dark earth / No grave can hold my body down / I'll crawl home to her" can symbolise the enduring love and commitment between the queer couple despite societal obstacles and stigma.
2. Visual Representation: - The grainy, low-lit, and silhouetted visuals of the queer couple dancing and interacting can evoke a sense of intimacy and secrecy, reminiscent of historical photographs and videos of queer individuals who had to hide their identities and relationships. - By using my partner and I it adds a layer of depth for the viewer, it has a more personal and intimate touch to the video and meaning. - The use of shadows and silhouettes can convey a sense of mystery and anonymity, highlighting the complexity of queer experiences and the need for privacy in a still sometimes hostile society.
3. Historical Context: - By juxtaposing the modern representation of the queer couple with the historical aesthetic of the video, I can illustrate the journey of queer individuals from the past to the present. - The visual contrast serves as a reminder of the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance while acknowledging the ongoing challenges and fears that queer individuals may still face in contemporary society.
4. Emotional Impact: - The combination of Hozier's emotive vocals and the evocative imagery of the video creates a poignant narrative that resonates with viewers on a personal and emotional level. - Viewers may be moved by the portrayal of love and resilience in the face of adversity, prompting them to reflect on their attitudes towards queer relationships and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Overall, by carefully curating the visual elements of the video to complement the meaning and emotion of Hozier's "Work Song," I created a compelling and thought-provoking piece of art that sheds light on the complexities of queer experiences and the ongoing journey towards acceptance and equality.
This video was made as a part of my Second Year University project ‘Fine Art In Society’ where I explored Queer Theory and the Social Stigma of Queer relationships and people using my relationship as the centre.
