Automated Queer Desire

Abstract

Visually, a queer dating app is a grid where horizontal and vertical lines display one picture next to the other. Their use, creation of a profile, and the interactions enabled there—are essentially an exercise of repetition. This technological systematization and standardization of desire is the main inspiration for “Dating for Export,” an earlier work during my MFA studio research. This video piece stages a selfie session inspired by many of the visualities produced and enacted in these platforms: attempts at 90s Calvin Klein underwear advertisements mixed with current publicity of Marco Marco, and any other brand focused on gay consumers; fetish items such as leather, latex, puppy masks, harnesses, slings, military boots, chains over pectorals, perhaps a hat resembling the army/navy… sports gear and countless mirror selfies, innumerable torsos, gym selfies and cropped biceps.