war paint series – ultrawolvesunderthefullmoon

Paul Richmond: Paintings from His “War Paint” Series

“I created War Paint because I was interested in exploring the concept of identity – how we construct our sense of self and choose to reveal it to others. As a young gay man, I grew up feeling inadequate by the standards of masculinity that were presented to me. War Paint is about ignoring the status quo and boldly wearing the colors that represent who we are and how we relate to the world around us.

Everyone faces battles in their daily lives, and how we prepare for them is an important part of who we are. I hope people feel a sense of recognition or connection with the psychological states of the figures depicted in War Paint and maybe even create a story in their own minds about where they are heading or from what battlefield they are returning.” -Paul Richmond

Paintings by Paul Richmond: “War Paint” Series

Ohio-based artist Paul Richmond is hoping to “investigate the construction of identity” and masculinity with his incredible new series. The “War Paint” series uses the symbolism of body painting to “challenge conventions around masculinity and the male form,” Richmond told The Huffington Post.

“The application of pigment is suggestive of their psychological states, the color of their self-made armor exposing more than it conceals,” Richmond said. The work is a considerable departure from his “Cheesecake Boys” series, which put a twist on gender stereotypes by casting gay men in classic pin-up poses.

“By deconstructing and rebuilding the figure, my goal is to invite understandings that reach beyond the immediate surface and reveal the complexity of the individual,” he added.