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Fer Hakkaart
Transvestism in a Public Toilet, 1975 - 1980
Born and raised in a decent neighbourhood in Leiden, Fer Hakkaart (b. 1941) discovered a seamier side of the city, namely Leiden’s welfare districts where life largely takes place on the streets. This was the world that fascinated him and inspired his works, where he could unabashedly observe people
...
in their own environment. Another unknown and at the time hidden world that beguiled Hakkaart was that of transvestism, which resulted in this canvas.
What do we actually see? In a clear, realistic manner, Hakkaart has painted a public toilet with urinals visited by three people. At first glance they appear to be women, but it soon becomes evident that they must be transvestites or cross-dressers. They are all dolled up, wearing fancy evening attire, touching up their lipstick or smoking. The figure in the background seen from behind is urinating.
Here, Hakkaart plays with the viewer. The ‘window’ through which we peer is, in fact, the mirror in which the two women are also looking. Naturally, this is an aptly chosen artistic standpoint, but perhaps the artist also wants to figuratively hold up a mirror to us. Are we voyeurs of a secret dating scene?
Long-term loan from the Cultural Heritage Agency
Artist
Fer Hakkaart
Title
Transvestism in a Public Toilet
Year
1975 -
1980
Technique
Oil on canvas
Size
100 x 120 cm (h x w)
Type of object
Painting
Copyright
© Fer Hakkaart
This work is protected by copyright. You need permission from the creator or his heir to download, edit, copy or publish it.
