feature: LeoArtSNZ
As a completely self-taught painter, LeoArtSNZ suffers from a great deal of insecurity about how his work will be received. Not having a formal education, or the backing of an artistic community means constant second-guessing and self-doubt about the success of his work. On top of that, where he lives in Mexico there isn't a market for queer erotic art. Despite all this, his passions for the practice and the masculine form, combined with obvious raw talent, drive him to create inevitably captivating work. His occasionally surreal environments suggest a subtle tone of moody darkness that engage viewers in a seductive sexual secrecy, and each new piece he produces, seems to outdo the last in an ability to capture the rugged sensuality of the (very-well-maintained) male physique.
Your work in five words or less?
Aesthetically pleasing and erotically charged.
Where you live?
I live in the Suburbs of Mexico City, to the east, in a town call Ixtapaluca, just beside the country golf club, so it’s kinda nice.
Queer credentials?
I'm gay, but I think the only thing that would give my queerness away, is that I’m pretty sure me and my husband are the only gay couple living in this neighborhood- and you know everybody around notices that. And of course, the fact that I paint hot naked men.
Turn Ons?
Of course painting, I lose track of time whenever I’m doing it; obviously sex, food (sugar-addicted) and sleeping.
Turn Offs?
I really really hate the heat, I’d love to live in a colder place; I don’t like messy places or people, it’s a real turn off, I guess I’m a little OCD. Also, injustice in any way.
Art Crush?
I looove Roberto Ferri, his paintings are just breathtaking, ethereal and erotically enticing, and have a dark essence that I find very attractive.
Personal Crayon Color?
Dark-Evil-Black-Soul Black
Ideal place to display your work?
As an older gay guy, my dream place to display my artwork would be of course San Francisco, then NY and also Italy and France; I’m a dreamer.
Favorite non-art pastime?
I really enjoy films, particularly psychological thrillers, and of course TV series, I’m an addict and an expert. And of course I wouldn’t be a decent queer without MUSIC. Madonna is my Queen.
First memorable art project?
I started drawing since a very early age (reproductions mostly), but when I decide to take my art seriously, I remember wanting to paint a naked man, so I turned to gay porn magazines to find the right model, and I found the perfect one, it’s called “Thinking” [pictured].
LeoArtSNZ’s first painting of a nude male: “Thinking.”
What’s next?
As a self taught artist it’s hard to make a way in art, and in Mexico it’s harder, there’s still taboo in gay art, and you have to know the right people, but I’m following my dream, I’m going to keep painting and drawing; and hopefully a girlfriend of mine (an artist too) and I will try to find a place for an erotic exhibition in Mexico City, with a special collection next year.
Please show support by leaving your thoughts in the comments.
All work appears courtesy of the artist.
more projects in the dandy uncensored gallery
LeoArtSNZ
website: web.marcelforart.com/leoart_sz
facebook: LeoArtSNZ
instagram: @LeoArtSNZ
