Vox Humana. Vox Celeste.
(tag 721)
2018

Private Collection

Assemblage (23” x 18.5” x 7”)

Exhibition History:
California Heritage Museum, April 27-November 8, 2019

Artist description:

Here we see a male couple from the late 1870s early 1880s. This photograph may be the only evidence remaining of their relationship as a couple. The couple is presented with copper wire stretched across the front of the photograph, suggesting punishment by isolation from mainstream society. It must have been very difficult to have a same-gender relationship back in the 19th Century, even more so considering theirs was a race discordant relationship.

On top we see two pump organ voicing knobs (aka: organ pullers) reading Vox Humana. Vox Celeste. This artwork is called Vox Humana. Vox Celeste translating to “Human Voices. Heavenly Voices.” The artwork reflects their life path: they were once human voices and now they are heavenly voices. The entire artwork was constructed to suggest the form of a cross.

Publication History:
2021 LGBT Heritage Month Calendar and Cultural Guide
Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles. (Page 99)