Xavier Scihpani

Visual Artist and Trans-Activist Xavier Schipani explores themes of Queer Identity, the trans masculine body, sexuality, memory and language. His work is centered around questions that contemplate gender identity, proof of existence, the transformative power of representation, and the emotional resonance of his experience as a transman.

Informed by what he calls his “Transcestors” or those who walked before him, he focuses his attention to that proof of existence. He is a collector of history and imagery, piecing together writing, film, music and art within his community. He uses the figure as an anchor to guide storytelling as a form of mapping. He is constantly in search of a world where his own body has a context by looking for historical representation of the trans masculine male. The visual result of his inspiration being large scale painting and mural work much like cave paintings and other tableaus which seek to communicate not only existence but importance. His figures emote a sense of longing, exploration and emotional curiosity that openly asks the viewer to be as vulnerable as he is. The connection between himself, his community and world surrounding it all, is a documentation of change and our ability to expand our collective view by truly offering space for all stories to be told.