Contortion

Contortion

White, Remi

Contortion explores the tension of projecting the authentic self while navigating the expectation to conform. Growing up, one must learn to perform in line with socially ratified ways to behave. Doing so can feel like denying the child self. Using my body, I perform absurd contortions related to mundane adult tasks. The choreographed postures in the photographs touch on the impossibility of fitting in and how much someone changes to do so. Being gay further heightens this feeling. I’m expected to perform to suit the expectations with others with what are at times conflicting codes of conduct. My work attempts to reflect this state of flux and mourning of youth humorously, expressed in moments of exertion, defiance, failure, and acceptance.

2026