An Exhibition and Documentary
AN EXPLORATION OF RUBBINGS FROM LGBTQ HISTORICAL MARKERS, SIGNS, TOMBSTONES, CENOTAPHS,
PLAQUES, AND MONUMENTS.
What does Gay Rub Mean?
Rub as a verb can mean to upset someone “Rub someone the wrong way.” It can also mean truth “That’s the rub” or social friction “He got a lot of rub for that.” It’s also slang for sexual activity. Most importantly, it is an abbreviation for the word rubbing. All meanings apply in this situation. GLBT people have caused social friction and others find our lifestyle upsetting. The Gay Rub collection will be an assembling of our gay truth and the rubbings that come from it.
By gathering GLBTQ rubbings from across the globe, these public historic commemorations can be viewed at once. GLBT history and landmarks are underrepresented and under appreciated. The Gay Rub’s aim is to help draw more attention to the markers and the GLBT significance that prompted them.
EXHIBITIONS
The Gay Rub is a transportable exhibit that is ideal for universities and community galleries. The Gay Rub educates and creates conversation about GLBT history and historic figures. A special booklet accompanies the exhibition with information on each rubbing displayed to help contextualize each rubbing’s importance and history. Viewers can take the booklet with them to read on their own and research further.
Steven Reigns is a sought after lecturer and writing workshop leader (Yale, Antioch, Rollins College, UCLA’s Hammer Museum, University of Central Florida, One Archives, Stonewall Library). Exhibits of The Gay Rub can also have an accompanying artist talk or writing workshop focused on identity, cultural history, memory, and permanency.Press Inquiries
Comments on the exhibition:
Queerty
Edge Media Network Boston
“…amazing exhibit and incredible artist.”
Windy City Times
“…most concentrated and most detailed collection in the world.”
The Advocate
An Exhibition of Gay Rubbings Leaves a Lasting Impression
The St. Louis Post Dispatch, August 2015
With fabric and crayon, man makes impression on gay history
Project Muse, Fall, 2015
Submissions
Submissions are highly encouraged and welcomed. Submissions must be on a white background. Traditionally rubbings have been on butcher paper. Since paper creases, the preferred material can be purchased at fabric stores. “Tear away” or Pellon are both fabrics that are easy to use while rubbing. Regular white fabric will work but due to the elasticity, it presents more challenges.
A black crayon is the best rubbing instrument. They are easy to find, inexpensive, and don’t smear. Unwrap the crayon and use the entire body of the crayon, not just the tip.
If you are unable to afford or find materials, please contact Steven Reigns to have supplies mailed to you.
