Thank you so much for joining me in my first artist feature / q and a. I couldn’t have an inaugural Q & A without featuring a queer artist. Queer art, also known as LGBT+ art or queer aesthetics, broadly refers to modern and contemporary visual art practices that draw on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender+ imagery and issues. Take a moment to enjoy Alex’s insight, perspective, and background on queer art representation within the art world.
Alex is an artist that I discovered via following the local Queer Art scene while living in Houston, Texas. His art prominently provides very intimately portrayed queer figures atop a vibrant color scape. The artist provides an array of accessible media forms to own some of his artwork, whether it is a screen-printed t-shirt or a mini agenda calendar. It is that time of year, if you are looking to gift a friend with some queer art, now is your chance.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Alex Karshis and I’m a queer artist based in Austin, Texas, I actually just moved from Houston. I have a passion for creating new and unique art for the queer base. This is to increase representation and the number of queer art that’s out there for the queer audience.
What style of art or artist do you most identify with?
Queer Art has been my new style of art that I identify with. This includes some common names such as Keith Haring and Andy Warhol. Both these artists use their talents to represent and bring forward queer art. I love how each of them has a powerful use of color and hope my art could someday be as iconic. Pop art has always been my favorite. The use of bold colors effectively can really create something new.
What do you dislike and like about the art world?
Lack of representation in all minorities is where the art world could use some improvement on. I really like where social media and new media platforms are going. They are disturbing the normal cycle of things and I can’t wait to see how it shakes the world up.
What is your dream project?
I would love to one day make a mural for the side of a big building! It would take a lot of paint and materials but it’s something I have always wanted to accomplish. I think it would be a powerful moment for someone to see a large mural of queer art. That’s the representation our community lacks and what I’m trying to do more of.
What is an artistic outlook on life?
Finding beautiful things in the most unlikely of places. My outlook on life is one of positivity and caring for others. One thing I wish I had more growing up was queer art and I want to create the art I wish I could have seen growing up. I try to base my life on compassion, so I’ll know my life will be easy.
This is one of my favorite projects I have done by far. This is a cute little yearly calendar filled with hairycolorfulmen images. Each month coordinates with an LGBTQ+ event in that month. See if you can figure them all out!
