Today we’d like to introduce you to Xavier Schipani.
Hi Xavier, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Visual Artist and Trans-Activist Xavier Schipani explores themes of Queer Identity, the trans masculine body, sexuality, memory and language. His work is centered around questions that contemplate gender identity, proof of existence, the transformative power of representation, and the emotional resonance of his experience as a transman.
Informed by what he calls his “Transcestors” or those who walked before him, he focuses his attention to that proof of existence. He is a collector of history and imagery, piecing together writing, film, music and art within his community. He uses the figure as an anchor to guide storytelling as a form of mapping. He is constantly in search of a world where his own body has a context by looking for historical representation of the trans masculine male. The visual result of his inspiration being large scale painting and mural work much like cave paintings and other tableaus which seek to communicate not only existence but importance. His figures emote a sense of longing, exploration and emotional curiosity that openly asks the viewer to be as vulnerable as he is. The connection between himself, his community and world surrounding it all, is a documentation of change and our ability to expand our collective view by truly offering space for all stories to be told.
Xavier Schipani is a Washington D.C. Native (b. 1984)
Studied painting and illustration at Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore and the Center of Arts in Culture, AIX en Provence. His work has been exhibited in North America and Europe and is held in the collection of the McNay Museum in San Antonio, with public works in Houston and Austin, TX. In 2022 he created a large scale digital, site specific installation in Times Square on view for the month of June, commissioned by Todd Snyder. He also released his second collaboration with Nike, which included a SB Dunk shoe designed completely by him in celebration of Trans Awareness Week. He is currently living and working in Austin where his work continues to be enjoyed publicly and privately.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Art practice is very rewarding, but it’s not easy. Commitment, self determination and discipline are really important principles in the success of a studio. Each phase of my life has had it’s challenges, but you live and you learn. At the end of the day personal growth comes out of the struggle. There have been times where I have doubted myself and my ideas, but I have pushed through them and I believe it has made my work and my identity as an artist stronger.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am primarily a fine art painter but I have also designed clothing, collaborated with brands like Nike (On an SB dunk shoe and apparel) Todd Snyder, La Mer, Sony Music, Random House Publishing, The New York Times, Refinery 29 and others. I am known for my large painting installations and murals, including the large animated mural I created for the largest digital billboard in Times Square. I am proud of my last installation at the STRAAT museum in Amsterdam, it will be on display for 25 years. I think that my installation work is ver unique, not only in subject matter but in its approach. I invite the viewer to become a part of the work when they enter the space that it is in.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the number of creatives that live here, how supportive the community is and the opportunities it fosters as a result. I also love the water, trails and growing food scene. I think my least favorite thing is the heat and the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xavierschipani.com/
- Instagram: xavierschipani
