Inspired by an action figure Stephen found in a Dollar store that was decorated with all sorts of “macho” gear (e.g handcuffs, leather, mask, straps, etc.) which blurred the distinction between military and fetish gear. A corollary to (recently rediscovered) dreamy high-keyed STAINED series, SEX TOY brackets notions of gender and sexuality through seedy low-keyed portraits that subvert and queer the “mainstream” reading of the figure; exploring the fine line between gendered norms and self-parodistic fetish, and how those norms are learned as a child even through play.

Conceived & Photography by: [photolink] | COMPLETED: 11/13 | Website Link


1920 1080 dissonance productions

dissonance productions

Started by trans-discplinary art-ivist Stephen Chen to consolidate his recent work; as well as facilitate collaboration with others. Stephen’s oeuvre is often allegorical as well as simultaneously deconstruct and hybridize the very forms he works in. Disdaining academic and esoteric expressions, as well as institutional conventions and practices, Stephen explores complex ideas and issues immanent in his works through experiments in form and technique.

dissonance productions