"Exodus"
Digital Zine, 8.27" x 11.69"
Artist Statement
“Exodus” is a satirical, pho-magazine inspired by the legacy of Exodus International, a once-influential, debunked Christian organization that promoted harmful 'conversion therapy' practices. Its proponents claimed that through their pseudoscientific methods, same-sex attracted (SSA) individuals could change their sexual orientation to be heterosexual, or become 'ex-gay'. At its peak it had over 250 affiliated ministries, but it closed in 2014 due to participants increasingly revealing that the ministry had little to no impact on their experience of sexuality. The 'magazine' is a collection of images and articles from their now-closed website, intermingled with the artist's own words and media. This art piece represents a harrowing spiritual journey - or exodus - within this religious landscape and the lasting impact of such harmful practices which continue in the present day.