Michael McFadden’s (Chicago, IL) artwork explores and celebrates sexual freedom
as a form of resistance to multilayered stigma and trauma, both historical and
ongoing.
Focusing on the overlap between internalized shame and identity
affirmation, he draws from family albums and vintage gay pornography.
These vernaculars, inherited from biological and chosen families, are the foundation to his visual iconography.
His work examines the inner workings and the visceral charges
of sexual connection, as they manifest in the context of everyday life. Michael has
worked within the social services and community health centers for over 20 years,
focusing on LGBTQ health and the provision of HIV/AIDS services.
He brings this awareness and process into his photographic work.
His most recent work explores sexual identity and intimacy in a post-PrEP environment.
Michael received his B.A. and M.S.W. from Loyola University Chicago and recently
graduated from the ICP Bard M.F.A. Program in Advanced Photographic Studies.
He currently resides in Los Angeles.
