From Walter Kmetz’s article for The Dickinsonian:
The exhibition was the first where both the artist, Rivera, and the muse, Lillis, attended the opening of a Trout Gallery event. Taylor stated that “this project began as an experimentation for Lissa’s partner to be able to envision himself in a variety of gender expressions,” and it transformed into an analysis of what beauty truly is and how it works with gender and queer bodies, thus making art more inclusive. Lillis explained that “often in photography… and art history, the muse or model is a woman identifying person and… systematically, those people are underestimated and under appreciated for what they bring to the table,” which Lillis hopes people will begin to think differently about in these works.
Lillis explained how the pieces have been displayed across the country and the world, ranging from Nepal to Sweden, with reviews on the internet coming from all over as well. In terms of the exhibition itself, Lillis stated that “we’re incredibly flattered and impressed at the work the student curators have done, and they’ve done such a good job.” He went on to say “it’s been incredible for us to engage with the school and program.”Queering the Muse: Identity and Desire in the Photography of Lissa Rivera will be on display at the Trout Gallery until April 16, when all of the pieces except for the two owned by the Gallery will be returned to ClampArt in New York.