Bio Statement:
David Xu is a graduate of Master of Arts Management student. He is passionate about LGBTQIA+ rights as a member of the Asian LGBTQIA+ community. His curatorial practice often focuses on the lived experiences of Asian LGBTQIA+ individuals and the artistic expressions of Asian queer artists. This art project explores LGBTQIA+ representations in ancient Asian mythology and religious practices, aiming to challenge stereotypes through artistic reinterpretation. David Xu hopes to inspire more inclusive thinking and dialogue around gender and identity in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Abstract:
The Beauty of LGBTQIA+ Culture in Ancient Mythologies and Religions of Asian Countries.
This project aims to explore the existence and significance of LGBTQIA+ identities in ancient Asian mythology and religion, with a particular focus on the traditional cultures of India and China. Presented in the form of an arts festival, the project challenges the stereotype that “LGBTQIA+ culture is a modern Western import”. By studying deities and rituals in Hinduism, Taoism, and Chinese folk beliefs that involve gender fluidity, same-sex love, and gender transformation, the project demonstrates that diverse gender identities have long been embedded in Asian traditions. The festival will connect traditional Asian culture with contemporary LGBTQIA+ experiences through visual art, live performances, and interactive installations. Case studies from ancient Asian myths and religious narratives include deities such as Ardhanarishvara, the Rabbit God (Tu’er Shen), and Lan Caihe. Through the analysis of these examples, the project reveals the rich presence of LGBTQIA+ themes in traditional Asian history and culture. It invites the audience to reconsider the meanings of “tradition,” “identity,” and “belonging,” and aims to strengthen the sense of identity and pride within the Asian LGBTQIA+ community.
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