Render of rodeo rider on bull with architecture building in background
INFORMATION

Published: 2023

/ Student Work

Rodeo My Gay Rodeo

A gay rodeo animation about love, battle, fitness, and sanctuary. Through the main characters (The Rodeo Clown) perspective and their experience as a gay rodeo entertainer. Situated in Detroit, Michigan, at The Clown Sanctuary and Performance Center, the architecture creates a queer space for inclusiveness, community, and equality to celebrate shared Southwest American passions and interests. This animation derives from the exclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in the rodeo industry. Considered “non-capable” or “too flamboyant,” queer-identifying athletes and performers were barred from participating in traditional rodeo events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping. “Rodeo, My Gay Rodeo” takes precedence from research and understanding of the International Gay Rodeo Association. Through stadium seating, large windows, and open corridors, the form allows different programs to interact with each other. Below the stadium seating exists dedicated stables and a medical center for animals and handlers to prepare for events. A fitness center looks out over the stadium seating, which provides energy and motivation for those exercising and bulking up. The architectural form influences camaraderie and pride, allowing visitors and participants to be open and in the comfort of being themselves. The animation takes influence from many precedent research, from iconic animated cartoons such as Cuphead, Betty Boop, and The Amazing World Of Gumball. For its representation of mixed media animation using 2d drawings, 3d modeling, photography, and physical modeling. The notion of representation embodies the concept of “Rodeo My Gay Rodeo” as an architectural space and its built environment.

STUDENT

Martin Rodriguez Jr.

FACULTY

Adam Fure, Jacob Comerci, and Leah Wulfman