Effigy
Mixed media video
21 x 21”
2007
Edition 1 of 1
(Close-up, still image from video loop, and gallery views)

Effigy is a video installation piece that tells the story of the tragic event in my uncle’s life. My uncle was a gay man who was arrested for being gay in 1952. Sadly after his arrest and the publicity and likely public shaming around the event, he committed suicide.

The piece documents his place of residence, Boston, MA and a bit about his life. However, the piece largely is about his arrest and death; how this story has affected me today as a gay man. Most importantly, Effigy pays respect and homage to man that I proudly refer to as family.

- Peter Pizzi