In the heart of London, an unconventional exhibit has taken up residence, shedding light on a seemingly incongruous trio of subjects: soccer, bathtubs, and glory holes. The mind behind this artistic endeavor is none other than JJ Guest, a queer artist with a mission to challenge the deep-rooted homophobia that has plagued the world of sports, particularly soccer.
Redefining Soccer’s Homoerotic History
Situated within Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium and aptly named “The Other Team,” Guest’s exhibit offers a unique perspective on the sport’s complex relationship with homoeroticism. It is worth noting that access to the exhibit is exclusively through the team’s official gift shop, a deliberate choice by the artist.
Guest is quick to clarify his intentions: “I’m not trying to get people’s backs up,” he states. “I want people to know that if straight men found it easier to be tactile with their friends, it would make it safer for us as well, because we wouldn’t be scrutinized for doing it. So the work is really for everyone.”
One of the most provocative pieces in the exhibit is “Glory,” which reimagines the iconic moment when Geoff Hurst scored the historic goal that led England to their first World Cup victory in 1966. The image, strategically placed at “dick height,” replaces the soccer ball with a meticulously sized hole.
Art as a Reflection of LGBTQ+ Struggles
In his Instagram post, Guest explains the motivation behind the “GLORY series,” linking it to the erasure of queer history and the vulnerability of queer rights: “The removal of these goals draws parallels with the erasure of queer history, and the vulnerability of queer rights, with any progress being made being immediately at risk of being taken away.”
Homophobia remains a persistent issue in the world of soccer, a fact that fuels Guest’s frustration and inspires his artistic creations. The hypocrisy of a sport comfortable with displays of affection between male teammates while perpetuating hate toward LGBTQ+ individuals deeply troubles him.
Challenging Stereotypes Through Art
Guest’s journey into this project was catalyzed by images of soccer players engaging in affectionate acts, from kissing to bathing together. He reflects, “I was confused as to how this could be celebrated when, at the same time, gay men were being beaten by police and arrested for almost the exact same activity.”
For Guest, his first solo art exhibit represents not only a creative outlet but also a means to channel the anger he feels constructively. As he admits, “I’ve not always been comfortable with feeling anger because angry men have always terrified me. But in my wise old age, I’m using the anger to learn about myself – as opposed to running away from it.”
“The Other Team” will grace the Oof Gallery until December 23, 2023, inviting visitors to challenge societal norms and contemplate the complexities of homophobia within the world of sports.