Subverting Identities introduces us to new works by Mexican-American artist Ricardo Partida for his first solo presentation in London. The exhibition, hosted by Berntson Bhattacharjee, is further enriched by the distinguished guest curator, Edoardo Monti.
Partida's oeuvre serves as a critical lens through which he interrogates art history, specifically its portrayal of male desire. He meticulously dissects the intricate interplay of gendered visual language and its deep connection to the homoerotic gaze. In the broader context of artistic expression, Partida's works act as a catalyst for a reevaluation of established norms and an invitation to engage in a profound discourse on identity, desire, and the limits of representation. Often, his works become a captivating canvas for his exploration of the enigmatic "Fag Fatale," a male character that he has created who embodies an effeminate allure that aims to bring the world to its knees.
Drawing inspiration from classical compositions of the old masters and neoclassical motifs from Greek mythology, Partida skillfully constructs images that challenge prevailing power structures by offering unconventional portrayals of masculinity and seduction. He weaves narratives that originate from reality but then transcend into an ornate realm of fantasy, crafting visual stories that deeply resonate with individual viewers.
About the artist
Ricardo Partida (b. 1990) is a Mexican American artist living and working in Chicago, Illinois. He received an MFA in Painting and Drawing from the School of the Art, Institute of Chicago in Illinois (2020) and a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley (2017).
Solo and duo exhibitions include: Pasiva Toxica at New Image Art Gallery in West Hollywood, California (2022); Death of a Hero, Rise of a Champion at Deli Gallery in New York City (2021); Final Fantasy at Julius Cesar Gallery in Chicago, Illinois (2020); and Evil and Shivering at Baby Blue Gallery in Chicago, Illinois (2020). Select group exhibitions and Art Fairs include: Dallas Art Fair in Dallas, Texas (2023); Palazzo Monti in Brescia, Italy (2023); Jerry Gogosian’s Suggested Followers: How the Algorithm Is Always Right at Sotheby’s in New York City (2022); Williamson Brasfield + Ricardo Partida at 1969 Gallery in New York City (2022); CRUSHER at New Image Art Gallery in Los Angeles, California (2022).