About xander
Baltimore City
Hello, I am xander dumas, a multidimensional queer artist who lives in Baltimore. I am self taught and love to practice illustration, fiber arts, photography, graphic design, poetry, film & performance. The ‘Queer Zodiac Project’ is my first independent series, most of my work is created collaboratively with elliot mittens cooperson, we moonlight under the names ‘Ephemeral Fossils’ & ‘The Dandy Vagabonds’.
Aries
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aries.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Aries Muse is based on a photoshoot collaboration inspired by the adjectives strength & determination which embody my expression of Aries. Aries hangs in her ring of fire symbolizing Aries’ element & expansive skill in resilience. This illustration is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of Mars, the home planet of Aries. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, they represent the Sun, which is in its exaltation, Pluto which is also in its exaltation, Venus which is in its detriment and Saturn which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Aries. created in the fall of 2016 -
mars.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of Mars, the home planet of Aries. designed and created by me. -
regina-aries.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Regina, my Aries muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension. -
aries1.jpgillustration of Aries muse in progress. Illustration done with Prisma Markers & a black, fine point pen -
aries2.jpgPhoto of Regina during our Aries inspired photoshoot. This project was done collaboratively in which I asked each of my participants to choose an expression that personified a feeling. Regina practiced her ariel and stilting skills to express her Aries self through the lens of ‘strength & determination’. -
aries3.jpgPhoto of Regina during our Aries inspired photoshoot. This project was done collaboratively in which I asked each of my participants to choose an expression that personified a feeling. Regina practiced her ariel and stilting skills to express her Aries self through the lens of ‘strength & determination’. -
IMG 7477In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed a dynamic queer Baltimore artist or activist who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here Velocity Charms embodies 'Aries" ; known for thriving through obstacles.
Taurus
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taurus.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Taurus Muse is based on a photoshoot collaboration inspired by the adjectives grounded & confident which embody my expression of Taurus. Taurus stands firm & dedicated. This illustration is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of Venus, the home planet of Taurus. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, they represent the Moon, which is in its exaltation, Mars which is in its detriment and Uranus which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Taurus. created in the Spring of 2016 -
Venus.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of Venus, the home planet of Taurus. designed and created by me. -
dulcey-taurus.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Dulcey, my Taurus muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension. -
IMG 7496In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Taurus muse grounds firmly with passion & strength. The music is used by permission by Baltimore artist Hyster Majesty created in the Spring of 2016
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dulcey taurus photoshoot2.jpgtaurus muse sharing a story during out Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot -
dulcey taurus photoshoot1.jpgtaurus muse sharing a story during out Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot
Gemini
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gemini.jpg3'x3' multidimensional vignette of my interpretation of zodiac sign Gemini. Within this vignette, I have created a sewn tapestry to represent Mercury, which is the home planet of Gemini. I have the illustrations of the ‘twins’ representing the duality of this air sign based on a photoshoot with Baltimore artist, Alex. I have also included a smaller archival print of sewn tapestry, Jupiter which is in its fall in Gemini. -
mercury- gemini.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of Mercury, the home planet of Gemini. designed and created by me. -
alex-gemini leather.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Alex, my Gemini muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension -
alex-gemini.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Alex, my Gemini muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension -
gemini2.jpgPhoto from our ‘Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot -
gemini3.jpgGemini muse, Alex, embodying air/soft/light in contrast to deep/hard/dark for our duality photoshoot. -
gemini4.jpgGemini muse, Alex, embodying air/soft/light in contrast to deep/hard/dark for our duality photoshoot. -
IMG 7297In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Gemini muse personifies duality through hard & strong, long & grace.
Cancer & Leo
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cancer.jpgCancer flexes tender hearted pinchers in illustration in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of the Moon, the home planet of Cancer. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, Jupiter which is in its exaltation, Neptune which is in its exaltation, Saturn which is in its detriment and mars which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Cancer. created in the summer of 2016 -
moon.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of earth’s Moon, the home celestial body of Cancer. designed and created by me. -
elliot-cancer.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with elliot, my Cancer muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension -
elliot cancer queer zodiac.jpgCancer muse flexing at Baltimore's Jone's Falls for part of the Queer Zodiac Project photo series -
IMG 7492In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my tender-hearted, nostalgic dandy strongperson flexes to personify the pinchers of the Cancer crab.
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leo.jpg -
sun.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of the Sun, the home celestial body of Leo. designed and created by me. -
talani-leo.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Talani, my Leo muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension -
leo1.jpgPhoto from our ‘Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot. Talani smiles proudly with a sunflower in front of a Baltimore mural of Lion & constellation of Leo. -
IMG 7494In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Leo Muse proudly stands, poised and confident radiating her Sun royalty self.
