acrylic on canvas [diptych]

31.25” W x 47” H (each canvas)

2025

“Hung” is the piece that marked a turning point in my practice. As a self-portrait, it was one of the first times I approached my work with a sense of honesty - both in subject matter and in how I was willing to represent myself. It ultimately led me to focus on the male form as a central theme in my work, and to create pieces that invite conversation while challenging my own comfort zone.

I work primarily in black, white, and grey. These tones feel familiar and accessible, often fitting seamlessly into interior spaces. What interests me is the contrast between that visual neutrality and the more provocative undertones of my subject matter. There is a tension between what feels aesthetically acceptable and what may feel personally or socially uncomfortable, and I aim to sit within that space.

This piece also reflects my experience of navigating identity and self-perception. In my perspective, there can be a strong emphasis placed on physical appearance within the gay community, where the body is often the first point of focus. “Hung” engages with that idea directly. By omitting the face, the work shifts attention entirely to the body - highlighting how quickly perception can be formed based on appearance alone, before any deeper understanding has the chance to exist.

The word “HUNG” was added as a final layer - intentionally direct and difficult to ignore. It reflects how easily people can be reduced to a single, surface-level trait, particularly one tied to sexuality. It captures a dynamic I’ve experienced, where perception and value can be shaped before anything deeper is considered.

At its core, this piece represents an early step in embracing authenticity—both personally and artistically. It holds the beginning of a process where I allowed myself to create work that feels honest, even when it invites discomfort or challenges expectations.

$4,680.00