WE ARE AUTHENTICALLY HUMAN
Ollie McGowan
Artist Statement
We Are Authentically Human addresses the discrimination of the Transgender community within the United States and across the world. For many transgender people, the problems faced by the community are very intersectional. Most of the transgender community that is targeted the heaviest is homeless, Black, does sex work, and uses drugs. In that statement alone… all four of those identifiers are extremely vulnerable to police brutality, sexual violence, and neglect. Many transgender community members must live within the shadows to secure a safe space for them to live with a sense of security and relief. This flag stands for everyone who may not have the privileges to be out and open. Who may not have that core support system. We are authentically ourselves and that is the most beautiful part!
Ollie McGowan; (He/Him/His), is a recent graduate of Maine College of Art’s Graphic Design and Art History BFA programs. Ollie’s work explores the inequalities and complexities of current world issues through research, personal experience, and political dialogue. His intentions while creating his work is to establish intersectional spaces for deep discussion and exploration. His extensive research includes topics of Harm Reduction, Direct Action, LGBTQIA+ issues and history, Frida Kahlo, Feminist Art Movements, and Activist Art Movements.
When Ollie is not creating, he can be found within the Activist community in Maine, where he participates in organizations like Portland Overdose Prevention Society, Maine Access Points, and Planned Parenthood. In October 2018, Ollie started his activist career by organizing the Won’t Be Erased Protest which touched on Transgender rights within healthcare and the military. From there he has continued to dedicate time to outreach work. Due to his activist work and persistence within the Portland community, he received the Marissa Rose Swift Rabble Rouser of the Year Award from MaineTransNet in November 2019.
This work represents the artists’ perspectives and the political engagement they choose to amplify through their platform. SPACE supports artists in expressing their political and social justice imperatives through their work.
Image credits: Carolyn Wachnicki
