Kin, 2017 by Mengwen Cao

Throughout history, queer people have transcended biological and social norms to redefine family. Too often discarded by our own kinfolk, we seek refuge in the comfort of our peers. Referred to as ‘chosen families,’ these bonds reinvent roles of support, teaching, and kinship- consequently reshaping definitions of parenting, marriage, and relationships for queer and non-queer people alike.

CHOSEN aims to depict the love, tenderness, strength, and sincerity provided by chosen families, while celebrating the queer community’s progress toward dismantling constrictive heteronormative standards and broadening the definition of family for society at large.

Kin portrays Leslie and Caroline laying on their childhood bed. It’s part of the larger body of work “Liminal Space”, which uses tender gaze to explore the mundane beauty and intimacy of QTPOC (queer and trans people of color) lives. Joy and resilience exist in everyday life. In quiet moments, we keep becoming.

25% of the proceeds will go to the Leslie Lohman Museum - the only dedicated LGBTQ art museum in the world with a mission to exhibit and preserve LGBTQ art and foster the artists who create it.

Size: 12" x 8", 24" x 16"

Medium: Moab Slickrock Metallic Pearl: a mid-weight, museum-quality paper with an ultra-smooth pearlescent, metallic finish.

Framing: Unframed, Black, or White (Custom framing options available. Email help@trnk-nyc.com for more info.)

Framed Mat Style: 2 inch float over white mat (art appears to float over the mat and a spacer prevents the image from touching the acrylic)

Edition Size: 100 or 20 (depending on the size)

Year of Original: 2017

Authentication: Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Founder of TRNK.

Print Dimensions: Variable

Frame Width: 1"

Frame Depth: 2 1/4"

Matte Size: 2"

Paper Type: Moab Slickrock Metallic Pearl 260

Frame: Wood & 99% UV Acrylic

Framed Matting Style: Foam Lift

This item ships parcel via USPS, UPS, or FedEx Ground. A signature is required for packages valued over $200. Please contact customerservice@trnk-nyc.com with any additional questions regarding shipping or delivery.