Cruising Utopia LINOCUT PRINT | Limited Edition

Cruising Utopia Linocut Print

Introducing "Cruising Utopia," a limited edition linocut print series by Eric Van Giessen. José Esteban Muñoz (August 9, 1967 – December 3, 2013) was a Cuban American academic in the fields of performance studies, visual culture, queer theory, cultural studies, and critical theory. After Muñoz died in 2013, his friend and colleague Barbara Browning sent out a call for people to graffiti the following passage from Cruising Utopia’s opening paragraphs in a common cruising location, the bathroom stall: “Some will say that all we have are the pleasures of this moment, but we must never settle for that minimal transport; we must dream and enact new and better pleasures, other ways of being in the world, and ultimately, new worlds” (Muñoz, 2003, p. 1).

In this linocut print, I’ve recreated these rebellious acts by carving out Muñoz quote on the walls of a bathroom stall. For me, Muñoz’s work honours the sacred potential of queer pleasure and reminds us that there was a time when queer sex, connection, and pleasure was relegated to hidden and grimy spaces because nowhere else was safe. In 2024, as we continue to fight against censorship, homophobia, and legislation that seeks to criminalize our everyday pursuit of love, sex, belonging, and connection Muñoz’s work reminds us that we must dream and enact worlds where queer sex is dignified and celebrated. We are ‘not yet’ queer, we must double-down on our longing for and belief in the possibility of another world.

Each linocut print in this edition of 50 is meticulously handcrafted by Eric Van Giessen using top-quality SpeedBall Professional Block-Printing Ink to ensure longevity and vibrancy. Printed on premium Rising Stonehenge Paper (250 gsm) with deckled edges, the artwork comes alive with exceptional handmade quality.

Each print is signed, dated, and numbered in pencil by the artist, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity adorned with a Queero Gear wax seal. Please note that since each print features a unique edition number, the number on your print may differ from the one displayed in the product images.

The entire process of creating the linocut, from design and drawing to carving and printing, is performed by hand by Eric Van Giessen. This results in a truly one-of-a-kind piece, with subtle variations that highlight the charm and authenticity of handmade art. These differences and imperfections are not flaws, but rather an inevitable outcome of the handmade process.

Shipping: Your unframed print will be securely packaged in an acid-free, board-backed cellophane sleeve and dispatched within 3-5 business days. Prints are sent in a rigid mailer with tracked shipping via Sendle (Domestic & USA ♻️ 100% Carbon Neutral), Canada Post (International), or Trexity (Express Local Delivery).

Image size: 165 x 205 mm (6.5 x 8.1 in.) approx.

Paper size: 203 x 254 mm (8 x 10 in.) approx.

FRAMED PRINTS are available by special order - message me using the contact form for inquiries (local pickup only) - A 12" x 14" gallery framed "Cruising Utopia" Linocut Print with a mat is priced at $115.00 CAD (+ tax)