Buoj iz Jeb, Professional Figure Model
Buoj iz Jeb is a character I developed during my undergraduate studies at Cornish College of the Arts, inspired by discomfort with the male gaze and expressions of male sexuality onstage. Later, during graduate school, I revisited and expanded on the character, integrating my new skills in bouffon and sculptural performance.
The performance featured a custom-made naked bodysuit, starting with a simple premise of impromptu figure drawing sessions. I would arrive unannounced at various locations as Buoj, set up an easel, undress, and invite the audience to adorn me with costumes and props before drawing me. Over the years, this process generated over 200 figure drawings from participants of all ages and backgrounds, across cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Brooklyn, and Detroit. These drawings were exhibited alongside each performance, aiming to deconstruct gender norms and provoke dialogue about the portrayal of the male body, as seen through the lens of a white female performer in a male nude costume under public scrutiny.
In addition to the figure drawing series, I created an annual performance titled Buoj iz Jeb: Summer Swimsuit Edition. In this playful show, Buoj modeled the latest swimsuits of the season, wearing them all at once and peeling them off one by one until only his “birthday suit” remained.
What the Festival, Toronto ON, September 2024
Dumbo Arts Festival, Brooklyn, NY, September 2013
Dixon Place, New York City, NY, May 2013.
REwork Exhibition, Minneapolis, MN, November 2012
Chicago Women’s Funny Festival, Chicago IL, August 2012
“Meanwhile White’s unignorably charming character made the intimidating acts of life drawing and social interaction with a (fake naked) stranger feel intimate.”
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