Schipani’s first solo exhibition with Lowell Ryan Projects includes four new large-scale murals, acrylic paintings on canvas, and layered work on sheets of plexiglass. In one mural, several simplified, silhouetted figures painted in acrylic directly onto the wall reach and bend, turning the wall into a dance floor. In another, a similar group of figures with shortly cropped hair and a range of skin tones lift an individual in a gesture of community and support. Paintings with running figures symbolize the privilege of inhabiting a body freely in public spaces. The imagery throughout They Laughed With Pleasure depicts physical joy and reclaims vulnerability, pleasure, and affection.  

“They Laughed With Pleasure is inspired by the diaries of a gay trans male writer named Lou Sullivan called We Both Laughed in Pleasure. I will never forget the first time I read his work, I felt seen, validated and alive. He recognized an absence of trans role models and sought to be seen and understood through his writing. As Queer artists and writers, it is important to document past, present and envision future experiences in our own way with our own words. The spirit of the work that I create will hopefully hold space for others to feel inspired to create art that highlights their life and acts as an outlet to connect with themselves and others. This show is about the expression of joy, something that is often not associated with masculinity. The scale of the work creates an environment for the viewer to experience it in a childlike way, as most of the figures are larger than life-size. There is an innocence that is often lost for trans people, as a lot of our lives are spent hiding or correcting ourselves to fit in. This sometimes manifests itself as grief, where childhood lost is mourned. I have often felt I missed so much, living in fear that I would never live a visible life. The work is inspired by these feelings but looks to highlight the joy and opportunity that I have now. My work shows bodies that look like mine enjoying the simple pleasures of life and moving freely in a world where nothing is holding them back. I’m creating imagery to show my younger self, the youth of today, and all to come that we exist.”  

-Xavier Schipani