“They Laughed With Pleasure is inspired by the diaries of a gay trans male writer named Lou Sullivan called We both Laughed in Pleasure. I will never forget the first time I read his work, I felt seen, validated and alive. He recognized an absence of trans role models and sought to be seen and understood through his writing. As Queer artists and writers, it is important to document past, present and envision future experiences in our own way with our own words. The spirit of the work that I create will hopefully hold space for others to feel inspired to create art that highlights their life and acts as an outlet to connect with themselves and others. My work shows bodies that look like mine enjoying the simple pleasures of life and moving freely in a world where nothing is holding them back. I’m creating imagery to show my younger self, the youth of today, and all to come that we exist.” -Xavier Schipani Xavier Schipani’s first solo exhibition with Lowell Ryan Projects includes three new large-scale murals, acrylic paintings on canvas, and a layered work on sheets of plexiglass. The imagery throughout They Laughed With Pleasure depicts physical joy and reclaims vulnerability, pleasure, and affection.