Matt Pipes

Why Queer Art?

As a figurative artist I get a lot of questions about why I use the imagery I use, particularly if it is homoerotic, and why is it that I choose to create artwork that is so… Gay?

It’s a really good question, because as an artist I have absolute freedom to follow my creative process wherever it leads me, and I could easily choose to make artwork that has a much broader appeal. The reason I feel so passionately opposed to making “less gay” art, and instead making artwork that is reflective of my sexuality and queer identity is that I feel like it is the area which I have the most to contribute to creatively.

There are infinite genres and motifs that artists can and do express, from traditional still life to abstract expressionism and everything in between. For each genre and motif there are scores of artists who find inspiration and expression in that form. This diversity of art and artists is wonderful and I believe it is a great reflection of our times that such a diversity can exist and thrive! I also feel like because we live in a time where there is so much artistic freedom it makes it my duty as an artist to make the kind of art that really speaks to me.

I believe the arts act as a mirror which refl...