Nevermore

A passing glance, a lingering look, a smile - Michael’s work examines the lived realities of being an older gay man. Through photography, papermaking, and printmaking, he navigates these experiences using self-portraiture and anti-portraiture, offering a perspective that challenges more mainstream representations of contemporary gay life. Michael’s work ultimately broadens the narrative of gay identity, creating space for reflection on age, desire, and authenticity.

Michael has spent most of his adult life dealing with addiction to alcohol and drugs. He lives with cyclothemia (a form of bipolar), has C-PTSD and PTSD, suffers from depression, has social and general anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. Art is a vital means for Michael to make sense of his world.

People rarely talk about the true cost of divorce; it’s swept under the rug with a 'she’ll be right'. My divorce ten years ago devastated me, triggering severe depression and addiction as I tried to cope. This piece was my attempt to finally put that pain to rest. Based on an early photo with my ex-husband, the Poe quote reflects my current attitude towards marriage. The backing paper itself is pulped from my actual divorce agreement and marital financial records.