“Science and Social Narratives: A Research Based Art Methodology into Explorations and Explanations of Gender and Bodily Diverse Prepubertal Youth.”

This research based studio practice explores both the connections and missed connections of scientific standards and societal narratives regarding gender diverse children. Examining the scientific binaries of sex and the cultural spectrum of gender, this practice explores visual representation through micro, edge, and paper. For the purposes of analysis and interpretation, the paper of medical publications were incorporated as the creative medium; sex chromosomes were used representationally as a microscopic pattern; and precision cut edges were applied as both a literal and allegorical end and beginning. Through this studio practice new and creative visual conduits to dialogue were created. I found a new understanding of how scientific standards of care both compliment and compete with social narratives; and, how the greater good of protecting this vulnerable population of youth is both directly and indirectly affected. This practice serves to promote open, accessible, and informative dialogue on an issue of critical attention; and, how research based art methodology merits further investigation in gender and bodily diverse peoples