dance like everyone's watching

dance like everyone’s watching delves into the complex dynamics of how heteronormative society constantly surveils and scrutinises the queer community. It revolves around the fixation of perceiving queerness solely through a sexual lens. Through my work, I strive to reclaim and recontextualise what I term the “straight gaze” and turn it back upon itself in a pointed critique with accusatory power.
This self-portrait unfolds in a provocative manner, employing fake blood as a symbol to represent the fetishisation and weaponisation of queer sexuality. As the fake blood sensually spreads across my face, neck, and shoulders, it serves as both a metaphor and a visceral representation of the harmful misconceptions surrounding queer desires.
The movement within this piece adopts a performative and rhythmic quality, intentionally subverting the often-romanticised notion of “dance like no one’s watching” by transforming it into “dance like everyone’s watching”. This twist on the phrase becomes a commentary on the constant surveillance, judgment, and objectification the queer community faces.
One of the most critical elements of this piece is the unbreaking eye contact I maintain with the audience, creating an intimate yet uncomfortable proximity. This deliberate act serves as a means of reclaiming the heteronormative gaze and directing it back upon spectators, forcing them to confront their preconceived notions and biases.
By the end of the work, when I am covered with fake blood, an accusation is posed at the viewer, that is: your gaze has obscured the truth.