SAMUEL C. GUY 1991 Boston, US

"My work deals with the coming of age narrative in America and the role of masculinity in that process. Drawing from personal experiences and research of gender and sociology I have started to take a serious look at the time period where boys become men. My work often references Renaissance and Baroque painting giving these figures a sacred yet often satirical quality. Additionally these references enlarge the narrative, providing an existential quality through poses taken from depositions, pietas, and other Christ or martyrdom paintings. Conversely the paintings referencing the harem paintings of Ingres and Gerome highlight the conflict of homoeroticism in a homophobic culture. The settings, often party scenes, critique the archaic traditions and rituals of the epoch, which so forcefully shape these individuals. Additional reference and metaphor are provided through, pattern and object. The use of many layers of subtlety allows me to create a piece of work that is constantly growing with the viewer." -Samuel C. Guy