MOAH:CEDAR and the Lancaster Museum and Public Art Foundation hosted recently a special reception for its newest exhibit “Leonard Greco: Fairyland,” which explores the artist’s personal mythologies, religious reverence, and queer experience.
“Fairyland,” Greco’s most recent body of work, has a definite “camp” sensibility (not dissimilar to the creations of Cecil Beaton in the 1920s). Camp, described as the lie that tells the truth, is an innate language Greco had been reticent to explore until recently. He believes it was perhaps internalized homophobia that had left him hesitant to make work so boldly queer – in every sense of the word – and openly flamboyant.
Purposely stamped with informed wit and wry knowing humor, this new work is intended both to visually delight and be taken seriously.
Among other things, Greco touches on the weighty tableau of the Temptation of St. Anthony of the Desert and the perilous trials of Herakles. Greco’s aesthetic expression is influenced by his inclination to lighten somber, somewhat ponderous, existential themes with a gay touch (consciously selecting this word in both its current identity-laden use and its anachronistic yet more delightful sense). While the work possesses camp sensibilities, it would not be classified as irony due to the inherent affection Greco holds for his motley crew of heroes, saints, and sinners.
“Fairyland” will be on display through March 31. Together with the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, MOAH:CEDAR is a catalyst for engaging a diverse audience through captivating exhibitions, innovative artists, and dynamic programming. The gallery aspires to encourage progressive ideas and experimental genres of artwork, which highlight performance, education, and studio practice.
MOAH:CEDAR is located at 44857 Cedar Ave. and is open from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.lancastermoah.org/moah-cedar or call (661) 723-6250.
