feature: Eloy Pereira
Eloy Pereira is definitely an artist to keep an eye on. In these early stages of what is sure to be an explosive career, it’s already apparent that he has what it takes to make a profound impression on the queer art world, and he seems eager to find his place. His color and technique are impeccable, yet somehow improve with each new piece, and even his basic portraiture is masterfully considered and emotionally engaging. We are very much looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Your work in five words or less?
Realistic, sensual, delicate, contrasting.
Where do you live?
Punta del Este, Uruguay. A quiet and beautiful seaside resort.
What makes you stand out as a queer artist?
I stand out for my taste in beauty and body care. I like to think that I transmit that in my paintings. I like to work on my own body, and play with my eroticism that way. I always try look good because I like to be desired. Some interpret it as exaggerated self-love, but we have to love ourselves first- before we can love others.
Turn ons?
I am turned on by beautiful men with beautiful faces and harmonious, though not necessarily muscular, physiques. I like playing with my husband and sharing my fantasies with him, and I find true joy when we travel together.Obviously, I also get turned on when I paint what I like the most: male nudes. I love to photograph men, and if they are naked, even better. I am a spiritual person, though, and I believe in the inner beauty each of us have. So I also have religious work that I find satisfying as well.
Turn offs?
I don't like hypocrisy. I do not like lies, and I don't like my kindness being abused. It bothers me when people take advantage of my work, or when there are clients who are always trying to pay artists less. It shows the mental poverty of people who want to consume art, but refuse to acknowledge the value it deserves.
Favorite subject?
Hyper-realistic male nudes.
Art Crushes?
I love Renaissance and Baroque painters. Contemporaries I like include Javier Arizabalo, Marco Grassi- a Spanish painter friend of mine, and Felipe Herreros, among many others. In addition to their technical and aesthetic abilities, I admire the degree of detail. It shows the patience one has to have when painting. In the very fast-paced society we live in, painting in a high degree of detail demonstrates the ability of person to stop and do things calmly. You can see they are taking the necessary time to manifest themselves in their masterpieces.
Personal Crayon Color?
The color Red Wine Red. Or maybe the skin color of a tanned and sweaty man on the beach- or his blue swimsuit.
Ideal place to display your work?
I think there are always aspirations, but we do not always know which is the most suitable dream place until after someone discovers it and places it there. I would like to exhibit my works in the United States, specifically New York, and in Europe and Asia as well.
Favorite hobbies?
I like the gym, for bodybuilding. It's like carving my body every day, making it a beautiful sculpture. There is an academy of plastic arts, where I am a teacher of oil painting as well. I enjoy sharing my knowledge so that others can learn.
Most memorable early art projects?
I started doing artistic projects at a very young age. One of them was a painting of Saint Francis of Assisi for the cathedral of my city. Another big project for a long time ago was the illustration of a national history book.
What's next?
I am in the initial process of creating a series of surrealist style works. I will also continue with projects of hyperrealist works, but that include a little more feminine presence. I plan to show my art around the world, and I am open to the places that destiny has prepared for me. I am in a stage of life in which I feel that my art can be a beautiful contribution in other places, and reach the hearts of other people and contribute to enriching culture all over. The whole experience is like food to keep my soul growing and growing.
Please share your thoughts in the comments below. To see more of Pereira’s work, follow him on Instagram @eloypereira_uruguayanpainter.
