"The Temptation of Everett"

RW: Apologies in advance for reposting some of this from Instagram 🙇!! The final image in the triptych is coming soon and I needed to explain some of the callbacks.

This is the first image in my triptych of Everett's Journey (see the second image here, last one here). Unlike the other images from my Classical Works series, this is not inspired by any particular Renaissance image, but a culmination of everything I've been learning in my studies. I have had so much fun trying to use these techniques in a contemporary way and it makes me so happy people have enjoyed this.

Scene

I wanted to create a modern queer interpretation of the temptation of Eve. In my rendition, it's a hot, muggy, New York summer; we have a group of twinks on the left and a group of thick muscle bulls on the right. Everyone has a different story, but the central exchange is between Everett and the thong-clad muscle bull. He's crossing the divide to tempt Everett, while Everett is toeing the line of temptation in response.

Composition Check

This is the Rabatment of the Rectangle, a popular Renaissance composition technique that uses the implied squares of a rectangle to form an armature (the white lines). By placing the subjects within (or along) the armature, we can create balance and symmetry. Or, emphasize contrast, like the twinks on the left contrast with the muscle bulls on the right. I further emphasize the contrast by splitting the scene with the subway doors and posing the twinks in slouching or passive positions while the muscle bulls are posed to hold more presence.

I'm also using the golden ratio (or fibonacci sequence) to lead the eye through the composition. One spiral ends at the other, creating a loop that is very captivating.

All sight lines converge on Him to emphasize His presence. He is also posed in an "S," reminiscent of the snake that tempted Eve. This is known as the "Figura Serpentinata" (Serpentine Form) and was first described by Michelangelo as a way to create more compelling figures (when combined with golden ratio and triangle).

Lighting

This was a pretty complicated light setup that crashed my computer many times. Each character has at least 4 lights, plus ambient lighting, and special classical lighting techniques:

A. Using the setting sun gives Him a divine presence.
B. Rembrandt light
C. Carravagio light

Hidden messages and Queer Coding

I love how classical artists would sneak hidden meaning into their works through symbolism. I think that, as oppressed queer people, we have had to create our own secret language through subtle gestures and symbols. I try to bring that to each piece I make, here are some of them in this image:

The triskelion tattoo. This is a symbol of the BDSM and leather community. What does it mean that it's tattooed on the back of this man?
Stickers for MTA (Pride) and Nasty Pig (gay fetish wear).
He is wearing a leather band (with hook) on his left hand, indicating "Top."
Green thong, like a snake. His color is used selectively and sparingly to emphasize the meaning with it's use. The only other use is a green heart, which I've placed on the left to show that the motivating force of Everett is love.
Keith Harring's barking dog, which (in this context) represents carnal desire. (But can also mean obedience/authority). I've placed it on the right to show the motivation of these muscle bulls.

Phew. That was a lot. But it's important...these techniques and devices are repeated in the triptych to help tell several stories.

If you liked this piece...

The Crossing at 7th and Stonewall

The Indulgence of Camp

Outtake: highland bull

Hustlin' Hog's Rear View

It Came From Behind

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