Description
A Strong Desire is a translation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria into a dance. The DSM text represents a psychiatric diagnosis that allows access to trans health care like hormone therapy and surgery. It also represents the medicalization of Trans identity, acting as a barometer against which Trans experience is judged. Starting from the text Lou found the shapes and lines of Labanotation, a choreographic notation system, in the spaces between each word. These shapes were then scored and read, resulting in a set of movement directions. Leelee then took these directions and translated them into dance.
Related Works

Lou Sheppard, Murmurations (II)
Edition of 100
15.75” W x 16.5” H x 3.5” D
4.5 ounce lightweight cotton with cotton webbed handles
100% Natural cotton processed AZO-Free, with no hazardous chemicals
15% of proceeds are being donated to Feed Nova Scotia

Lou Sheppard, A Strong Desire (diptych), 2018
Includes:
Direction Score, (black) silkscreen and Movement Score, (white)
Both: Silkscreen, 14″x14″, Stonehenge fine art paper
Edition of 15

Lou Sheppard, Murmurations (I)
Fuji Crystal Archive Super PD Lustre digital print
18“x 24″, Edition of 10
Edition of 15 silkscreen available – Contact gallery for info

Lou Sheppard, Magnetic Orientation, 2019
Fuji Crystal Archive Super PD Lustre digital print
10“x 10″, Edition of 10
Edition of 15 silkscreen available – Contact gallery for info

Lou Sheppard, Pas de deux (diptych), 2019
Fuji Crystal Archive Super PD Lustre digital print
17 “x 11″, Edition of 10
Edition of 15 silkscreen available – Contact gallery for info

Lou Sheppard, Crepuscular Rhythms, 2019
Fuji Crystal Archive Super PD Lustre digital print
11 “x 17″, Edition of 10
Edition of 15 silkscreen available – Contact seller for info