Brown Neon

Brown Neon is a debut essay collection by Raquel Gutiérrez that explores southwestern terrains, intergenerational queer dynamics, and surveilled brown artists, crossing physical and conceptual borders. It is a meditation on land and relationships, highlighting the value of adobe, the feminist wounding, and transphobic apparitions, and traversing complex questions of gender, class, identity, and citizenship with curiosity and nuance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2022
Publisher: Coffee House Press

A profound exploration of southwestern landscapes, intergenerational queer relationships, and surveilled brown artists that transcends physical and conceptual boundaries, "Brown Neon" by Raquel Gutiérrez is a captivating essay collection. Part memoir, part ekphrastic travel diary, part queer family tree, this work delves into the rich tapestry of land and connections. Gutiérrez emphasizes the inseparable link between terrain and storytelling, recognizing that no narrative, no matter how intimate, exists in isolation from the spatial context in which it unfolds. Through her thoughtful examinations, she explores intricate themes of gender, class, identity, and citizenship, employing a keen curiosity and nuanced approach.

In "Brown Neon," Gutiérrez delves into the significance of adobe as both a vernacular architectural style and a commodified art object. She highlights the feminist wounds and transphobic apparitions that haunt the multigenerational lesbian social fabric, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by queer communities. She also recalls a failed romance, using it as a lens to explore the complexities of love, desire, and the complexities of navigating interpersonal relationships.

Gutiérrez's writing is characterized by its poetic and evocative nature, as she skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes, historical context, and cultural analysis. She explores the intersections of gender, class, and identity, challenging traditional narratives and revealing the hidden complexities of marginalized communities. Through her work, Gutiérrez invites readers to engage with these issues from a fresh and introspective perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.

"Brown Neon" is a testament to Gutiérrez's talent as a writer and her commitment to exploring the intersections of identity, culture, and place. This essay collection offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the experiences of brown artists and queer communities, providing a valuable contribution to the field of literary criticism. Whether you are interested in queer studies, environmentalism, or simply seeking a thought-provoking and engaging read, "Brown Neon" is a must-read that will leave you inspired and challenged.

Dimension: 196 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781566896375