Original artwork description:

"Man of Culture" (150x130 cm, oil on canvas, 2022) by Dominic Virtosu is an arresting masterpiece that commands attention, merging the sensuality of 1950s homoerotic photography with contemporary artistry. Inspired by George Platt Lynes' iconic yet clandestine black-and-white photograph of Chuck Howard, this painting honors a time when such works, celebrated privately, defied societal constraints. Lynes’ bold depictions of gay artists, dancers, and writers reflected a hidden yet rich culture, where personal connections transformed into his most profound creations.

Virtosu reinterprets this ethos by drawing directly from Lynes' photograph, capturing the pose’s elegant sensuality and quiet confidence. The male figure emerges against a sunset gradient sweeping from serene blue to a fiery reddish-purple, exuding both raw intensity and profound stability. Echoing the photograph, the figure’s posture is both natural and deliberate—one hand resting at the waist, the other delicately framing his lower body. While the original photograph was monochromatic, Virtosu reimagines it in thick, vibrant layers of oil paint that transform the image into something entirely new. The explosion of colors adds emotional depth and materiality, pushing the figure beyond its photographic origins into a sculptural, tactile presence on the canvas.

Thick, dynamic layers of paint—applied directly from the tube—create a tactile experience, where colors collide, vibrate, and compete for your gaze. Virtosu’s technique makes the skin an intricate tapestry, pulsating with energy and drawing viewers into a three-dimensional experience. This figure is not merely painted; it’s built, embodying both materiality and transcendence.

"Man of Culture" invites curiosity and dialogue. Its unsettling yet harmonious aura makes it a striking centerpiece for any contemporary collection. A celebration of body, form, and individuality—this is more than a painting; it’s a statement.

Materials used:

oil and spray paint

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