Dave Kube’s work questions how identity is placedupon gay men and their reactions to this often socially stigmatizedcounter-culture. He explores personal experiences as well as experiences thatfall within the inherent scope of living as a gay man. In many ways, his worktends to discuss the underbelly and often-unattractive aspects of the gayworld. Dave approaches and creates work in many ways, but often use humorand/or personal situations to work as a gateway to larger and more seriousissues or perspectives that affect him. He creates work that is, at its core,influenced by his experiences within the gay community but often speaks in amore universal way as a means to draw comparisons to the rest of society.
Dave’s work presents ideas and struggleswithin the gay community without being overly didactic. It has humor, vulnerability, and auniversalism that allows many people to respond to the work. He believes that “in this way, itnarrows the differences and provides a connection to people outside of the LGBTcommunity.” Dave allows the gaycommunity to look at itself and possibly find a connection or a new way oflooking at a situation in their own lives.
Dave explains that “living in Central IL doesnot provide a strong LGBT community to tap into. Because of this, my work often times has a disconnected feelwithin it.” Dave’s work is very much connected to his dating relationships andthe online interactions that he experienced due to this very distance from amajor LGBT community; he has used that distance as a source of inspiration.According to Dave, “My work is geared toward, and about, the gaycommunity, but it also has astrong universal meaning that many people could identify with.”
Dave has both a BA in Graphic Design from theUniversity of Illinois Springfield and an MFA in Photography from Tyler Schoolof Art in Philadelphia. His workhas been exhibited in Philadelphia, Chicago, Ohio, Indiana, and CentralIllinois. Additionally, Dave iscurrently a Visiting Associate Professor in Digital Media at the University ofIllinois Springfield. To get more of Dave’s story and work, visit his website http://www.davekube.net.
Favorite LGBT bar or club in Peoria: “I don’tdo too much of the club/bar scene, but occasionally we hang out at Buddies onAdams in Peoria, IL”
Favorite thing to do in Peoria/Chicago: “Peoria – Peoria Independent Theatershows various independent films and monthly themed movie nights. Chicago –Museum of Contemporary Art, shopping at the American Science and Surplus store.”
Insider’s tip about Peoria: “Burger Barge is a great burger place across theriver from Peoria.”
If you or anyone you know is interested in being featured as an LGBT and ally partner artist with us, please contact sophie.needelman@gaytravel.com. We look forward to hearing from you!