One of the local queer artists we have followed ever since Queerguru made PTown its summer base is Christopher Sousa. His curious figures and portraits explore themes of isolation and alienation, longing and desire. And judging by his annual Show which completely sells out, his work has become highly desirable and has even inspired an occasional spat with enthusiastic collectors ‘battling’ it out over certain pieces
On the eve of his upcoming show ‘IT’S YOUR FIRE’ that opens at the William Scott Gallery on Friday, July 22nd , we caught up with Sousa to ask him about the inspiration behind his new work.
He told QUEERGURU As far as inspiration, this was another unusual, covid winter. I wasn’t really working with many new models (which is usually where I find inspiration) so I spent a lot of time combing through old source imagery and asking myself, “why haven’t I used this image before?” I also continued my investigation of color. I found myself gravitation toward chartreuse, magenta, etc., colors not generally associated with flesh. In the past I’ve used a lot of props with models, attempting to create an imagined narrative. This year I focused primarily on the figure, looking to academic figure studies and traditional life drawing for inspiration, enjoying the simple beauty and complex composition of the human form.
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“It’s Your Fire.” from July 22nd through August 3rd. Opening reception is Friday, July 22nd from 7 to 9pm
at the William Scott Gallery.