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On April 3, 2006, there was a reception for Artist
Carlos Eduardo at the Stonewall Library on Andrews Avenue. As one of a
hundred plus members of the Arts Community of Fort Lauderdale, I was
happy that one of my favorite photographers has a show at the esteemed
Stonewall Library. The library allows local gay and lesbian artists to
showcase their work through the help of ArtsUnited, a local
all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that helps artists get their work
shown.
Of Carlos’ approximate twenty pieces; I have picked
three of my favorite, which all happen to fit into a category I call
Masculine Gay Art. This is not to say that other art is “femmy”,
frou-frou, or worthless, but I would have to say that Masculine Gay Art
would consist of pieces that focus on content, shadows, textures, and
subjects that would appeal to the “Ralph Lauren: Polo” crowd and the
professional gay male who shops at Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel,
and the ever elusive—Pottery Barn. All of these pieces, if put together
are not necessarily gay but would definitely improve an existing space
and you do not have to have an advanced degree in Fine Arts to
appreciate or find interesting.
“Down the Line”
Photograph
Washington DC
$165
This piece grabbed me. I could not stop looking at
it, and was literally, the inspiration for this article. It is so
perfect, symmetrical, and architectural that it made me miss the days of
Structure [before it went over to ExpressMen]. I remember looking at
everything on the walls in the store, the blue prints, the chairs—all so
masculine, yet refined and dreamed of a house filled with work like
that—masculine. The best part is the fact that it is the Washington DC
train station. Men tend to travel, especially long distances, and for
the most part, we all know what the inside of a train station looks
like—but who actually looks at and appreciates the ceiling?
“Conscience of a Man”
Barcelona, Spain
$125
This piece is haunting and reflective at the same
time. It is a man against a wall, leaning on it for support, and in
reality shows you this gigantic shadow—almost literally larger than
life. It is almost like he either has a: super position in life
[President], super ego or image that in all a farce and is just a man
[actor], or something happened to him in his past that is larger than
life and constantly haunting him. The best thing about this is the fact
that it is left up to your imagination. You can claim whatever
you want; your creativity is boundless or as simplistic as you are. I
love this one and fits into my collection because the texture of the
wall, weight of the subject versus shadow, but because it is in black
and white and antiqued, and has a thick black matting and black frame.
It is heavy, spectacular, and is all the while perfect and masculine.
The fact that Carlos used a model—but could have easily used
someone famous, says something.
“At Rest”
Bratislavia, Slovakia
$125
At Rest is a haunting picture due to the
fact that it captures a Slice Of Life; like this was taken from a moving
cab, and this stranger could be anybody. As a person that has actually
slept in Grand Central Station many New Years Eves, I can tell you that
when taking a nap in public, you do not care what you look like. We
have all been there. The man is ideal, for you do not see much of his
face, is completely relaxed and vulnerable. He is not acting or
portraying something he is not—he’s just napping. This work is a new
technique experimented with by Carlos that is actually a metallic print
paper on foam board. He is now working with color pictures…so be on the
lookout!
Carlos Eduardo’s exhibit at the Stonewall Library
is one not to be missed. His eye is keen, sharp, and his trigger finger
just ready to capture something in life you probably have overlooked.
His collection reaches from various cities in Florida, to Alaska, and
internationally from Spain to the Czech Republic. You feel like you
have gone a journey with him, and, with many professional gay men having
the opportunity and means, do travel; so these pieces will highlight
your life, give depth, and make you seem like you know—even if you
don’t. |
