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tom kay, diptych

Brief Encounters: Queer Instant Photography

North Portland

When

Feb. 1–23, 2025

Saturday and Sunday, Times vary

Free

Where

Carnation Contemporary

8371 N Interstate Ave #3
Portland, OR 97217

The following description was submitted by the event organizer.

Brief Encounters is an exploration of the legacy of artists using instant photography to express the queer experience. Queer people have used instant formats to protect the free expression of their intimacies, relationships, sexual liaisons, and communities; some of the risks of showing these images exist to this day. Brief Encounters encourages artists to freely express aspects of queerness, resulting in diverse approaches to the instant format. Audiences will witness deeply personal glimpses into the lives of these artists as well as wild departures from what one may expect from “queer photography.” 

Carnation member Michael Espinoza organized Brief Encounters simply to gather as many of their favorite artists in one place and to generate a robust focal point for a growing queer creative community. Many of these artists have been connected on online platforms for years, borrowing inspiration from each other, swapping nudes, and constantly promoting each other's work. Michael hopes this show will be a joyous capitulation of a community that has developed organically in digital spaces.