Provincetown, which is Queerguru’s summer base, is known for several things , amongst them the fact it is the Oldest Artist Colony in the US. The rich artistic history started in 1916 when Charles Hawthorne, a famous American portraitist, arrived in Provincetown for the summer. Since then, there has been a steady imput of artists calling this tip of Cape Cod home.
The Town also has a well earned reputation for its sheer diversity, and over recent years has welcomed several younger contemporary queer artists. Some have come to create art whilst others have opened their own galleries here. Their work is indicative of PTown keeping its relevance and looking into its win future.
One such gallery is Studio Lacombe run by Gaston Lacombe a native of New Brunswick Canada, whio got his degree in professional photography at Boston College and never went home again. Over the years. his professional practice has evolved from assignment work to more conceptual art projects. His work now consists of painting, drawing and mixed-media projects, and he is known for the explosive colors of his art, bold shapes and clean lines.
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This week however his Gallery is hosting a new show of the work of Ryan Rudewicz, better known as Rude Polaroids, This Brooklyn based artist is the winner of the 2023 and 2024 Glam Award as New York’s best nightlife photographer.
One of the (many) things that attracted us to his work was both the sense of joy, passion and humor but also for making it all accessible for younger queer guys who maybe buying art for the first time.
He told Queerguru I’ve learned a lot about myself from taking photos. Things I like, things I hate, things I’m working on. It has helped me understand myself and how I go about in this world. I think for many of us queer kids we have to teach ourselves about sex. Photography has helped me open up and be more comfortable with my sexuality. The people I’ve met through photographing has been the best part. I’ve created my little Rude community and these are some of my Rude Boys that have “opened me up” (pun intended) to more experiences. I used to be afraid to share more intimate work. “What would mom think?” “Really Ryan???” Well this isn’t for my mom. This is for me. (Seriously mom please don’t look at these photos)
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Studio Lacombe in Provincetown, MA August 23-Sept 2nd 2024.