"Midnight", collage with marker, by H, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Perhaps it’s the new, openly inclusive representation in Washington. Perhaps it’s the proliferation of anti-discrimination and equal opportunity policy such as Title IX, which has attempted to steer the country to a more race/gender neutral space. Or perhaps it’s simply the latest trend in the fickle, incestuous art world. Whatever the reason, young artists seem hell bent on blurring the gray matter between chromosomes these days. While I applaud the social ambition of H’s latest work, I anguish over her completely telegraphic approach. The idea is crystal clear, and therein lays the problem. Pouring a man’s figure into a bridal gown and labeling him/her “Cinderella” is message enough. Point taken. But H’s ill-advised decision to give the figure blotchy hair-plugs is an exercise in overplay. A word of caution to all social reformists: make your audience earn the message -- dictation smacks of the monarchy.