Viruses Do not Discriminate, People Do

Viruses Do not Discriminate, People Do

From the Artist: “This is an androgynous piece, a combination of half masculine and feminine forms. The pink coils are often worn mainly by Hmong women and the Qeej, is traditionally played only by men. The Qeej, is a Hmong instrument and an important symbol in the culture that is only played during rituals and celebrations like funerals, Hmong New Years, and weddings. Because the Hmong language is tonal, a Qeej consists of multiple bamboo pipes that produces different tones that is a connection to our language. This facemask incorporates the Hmong coil symbol. This coil represents a snail and in Hmong the term is called, “Paj Ntaub Qwj.” Pab Ntaub translates to ’embroidery’ and Qwj translates to ‘snail.’
The piece is meant to combine and break gender norms because wearing face masks should be gender neutral. The coronavirus does not discriminate, and neither should face masks.”
The artist, Tou Fong Lee, is the owner of Outkast Alterations in Menomonee Falls, and is the first Hmong and LGBTQIA business in Wisconsin. This piece uses the Hmong culture and tradition to speak to the conceptualization and expression of gender during the pandemic. As Tou Fong indicated, traditionally gendered colors, patterns, and objects are incorporated into one piece in an effort to gender-neutralize the wearing of face masks. Mask-wearing was considered an encroachment upon masculinity in the United States, especially early in the pandemic. This work reinforces the reality that viruses know no gender, and masks should not be seen as a feminine or masculine accessory.

Tou Fong Lee

Creative Health Collective

2020

Zac Dickhut