Art in the Raw: A Podcast About Queer Artists

E12: Transformation of Dangerous Spaces: Inside the Art and Activism of Christopher W. Quigley

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Summary

In this deeply reflective episode of Art in the Raw, Christopher W. Quigley shares his journey from hands-on custom fabrication to creating immersive public artworks that confront themes of impermanence, entropy, and gender-based violence. After surviving two near-fatal strokes, Quigley transformed his artistic vision to focus on projects like Transformation of Dangerous Spaces, an emotionally powerful installation addressing intimate partner violence and toxic masculinity. This conversation navigates Quigley’s personal history, queer identity, and his commitment to using art as a catalyst for social change.

Keywords

Christopher W. Quigley, queer art, custom fabrication, immersive art installation, gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, toxic masculinity, public art, entropy in art, impermanence, Transformation of Dangerous Spaces, queer creativity, stroke survivor artist, art activism

Takeaways
  • Quigley’s early memories driving his aunt’s 1966 Pontiac Parisienne shaped his love for custom fabrication and collaborative artistic creation.
  • His career evolved through interior design and large-scale custom fabrication projects, including record-breaking public art installations like the largest outdoor chandelier in Cleveland, Ohio.
  • Queer identity in a traditionally male, heterosexual-dominated industry required Quigley to exceed ordinary expectations—mediocrity was never an option.
  • Two near-fatal strokes in 2022 profoundly shifted Quigley’s artistic purpose from fabricating for others to creating meaningful, socially engaged artworks.
  • His work embraces themes of entropy and impermanence, with sculptures designed to slowly dissolve over decades, reflecting the temporary nature of life and legacy.
  • Transformation of Dangerous Spaces is an immersive, eight-stall art installation addressing intimate partner violence and toxic masculinity, rooted in local community tragedy.
  • The project focuses on male accountability and education, highlighting the socialization of boys and men in spaces like locker rooms as key sites for perpetuating violence.
  • The installation challenges audiences emotionally and requires trauma-informed support to help process its intense themes.
  • Men’s organizations have been slower to engage with the project compared to women’s groups, illustrating ongoing challenges in addressing gender-based violence collaboratively.
  • Quigley advises young queer artists to focus on making authentic, plentiful art without agenda, embracing creation as a fundamental ritual for growth and impact.
    • Chapters
    • 00:00 – Introduction: Sunday drives and early inspirations
    • 02:30 – Career in custom fabrication and move to Manhattan
    • 05:00 – Navigating queerness in a male-dominated industry
    • 10:00 – Life-changing strokes and artistic transformation
    • 12:00 – Themes of entropy, impermanence, and the ephemeral series
    • 18:00 – Creation of Transformation of Dangerous Spaces installation
    • 22:00 – Addressing intimate partner violence and toxic masculinity
    • 26:00 – Audience reactions and intersectionality in the work
    • 36:00 – Challenges engaging men’s groups and trauma-informed care
    • 43:00 – The significance of horror aesthetics and queer resonance
    • 48:00 – Vision for public policy and societal change through art
    • 50:00 – Advice for young queer artists embracing entropy
    • 52:30 – Quick 10 questions for Christopher W. Quigley
    • 01:01:00 – Closing remarks and future tour plans
      • Guest Info

      Christopher W. Quigley Official Website

      TRANSFORMATION OF DANGEROUS SPACES

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      Art in the Raw: A Podcast About Queer ArtistsBy David Smith, Salon Naturale