Where: Jaco Moretti Arts, Palm Springs
When: May 3rd – June 2nd, 2025
Gallery Website: https://www.jacomoretti.com/

I was invited to participate in a group exhibition in Palm Springs focused on representations of the male nude. The gallerist, Jaco, selected six of my figure studies based on my social media presence. Half of the works sold during the show; the remaining pieces will stay on display at the gallery throughout the summer until the next exhibition opens in late August.

The works emerged from an ongoing studio practice that intersects with my curated social media presence. I use my art on these platforms to interact with American gay male cultural themes related to voyeurism, exhibitionism, and the tension between self-display and objectification. The figure studies draw from photo references donated to me by strangers, blurring the lines between intimacy, performance, and gaze. In doing so, the work reframes the male nude through a lens of queer authorship and networked visibility.

Working with the gallerist to select works, set pricing, discuss framing, and explore future collaborations was fascinating. It changed how I think about my practice: my art is no longer hypothetical, confined to private reflection or social media posts; It is beginning to enter collectors’ homes. This transition has motivated me to reconsider my social media presence not as separate from my studio practice, but as a meaningful extension with potential for a professional angle.