article Queer Frontiers presents: Elio Mercer
Queer Frontiers presents:
Elio Mercer
Elio Mercer
In conversation with Elio Mercer
about the ambiguity of in-between
spaces and garments as embodiments
of masculinity.
about the ambiguity of in-between
spaces and garments as embodiments
of masculinity.
In conversation with Elio Mercer about the ambiguity of in-between spaces and garments as embodiments of masculinity.
Elio Mercer is a visual artist working across painting, collage and printmaking. Their work explores ideas of embodying masculinity and queer-coded dynamics from a trans-masculine perspective.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Elio on the occasion of the 2023 edition of Queer Frontiers as one of this year’s exhibiting artists.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Elio on the occasion of the 2023 edition of Queer Frontiers as one of this year’s exhibiting artists.
Artiq You are one of the 12 artists who produced a limited-edition print for the exhibition. What was the inspiration behind this work?
Elio Within my work, I’m always playing with the joyful nature of bodies interacting, as well as the tension that can exist in the image. Depicting masculine intimacy and tenderness, and asking the question of what it is we’re looking at is fun to work with. The ‘Lap’ print is one iteration of this series of examinations. The motifs of the boxer shorts as well as the sports socks are also something I’m continuing the explore, looking upon these garments that can often hold great meaning in the transitional milestones of one’s embodiments of masculinity, and act as emblems of these new expressions.
Artiq The show explores the different ways artists express their identity, drawing on mythology and contemporary queer culture. Is there a fundamental source of inspiration who has been a constant influence in your work?
Elio When creating work that looks at reimagining queer existence, I often find myself looking back. I look at archive photography, and zine archives as sources of inspiration. These tiny subcultural outlets from the past can hold deep meaning, and propel me forward in my convictions of creating new images that celebrate those same ideas and possibilities. Additionally, the idea of rewriting the past, imagining what could have been, serves as a stimulus to depict those alternative realities.
Elio Within my work, I’m always playing with the joyful nature of bodies interacting, as well as the tension that can exist in the image. Depicting masculine intimacy and tenderness, and asking the question of what it is we’re looking at is fun to work with. The ‘Lap’ print is one iteration of this series of examinations. The motifs of the boxer shorts as well as the sports socks are also something I’m continuing the explore, looking upon these garments that can often hold great meaning in the transitional milestones of one’s embodiments of masculinity, and act as emblems of these new expressions.
Artiq The show explores the different ways artists express their identity, drawing on mythology and contemporary queer culture. Is there a fundamental source of inspiration who has been a constant influence in your work?
Elio When creating work that looks at reimagining queer existence, I often find myself looking back. I look at archive photography, and zine archives as sources of inspiration. These tiny subcultural outlets from the past can hold deep meaning, and propel me forward in my convictions of creating new images that celebrate those same ideas and possibilities. Additionally, the idea of rewriting the past, imagining what could have been, serves as a stimulus to depict those alternative realities.
Artiq Earlier this year you were part of Rosa Kwir’s group show, “Tender & Masculine”. The exhibition showcased the work of LGBTQI+ artists and tackled debates on masculinities from a queer standpoint. What was the most enriching part of this project?
Elio It was really grounding and celebratory to share space with artists that had very similar lived experiences to me. That felt quite rare and special and was even more interesting to see the wide variety of expression that was on show. I’m forever grateful to Rosa Kwir for the amazing work they’re doing!
Artiq What do you want the audience to take away from your work?
Elio I hope my work can be viewed in all sorts of readings, and people can take what they are looking for from the piece. The ambiguity and spaces in between the work are what I find interesting, so I like the idea that they can both embody a lot of fantasies, but also leave a lot of questions.
Elio Mercer is exhibiting in Queer Frontiers: Queer Myths, Queer Futures June 29 - July 4 at 1-4 Walker's Court, London W1F 0BS.
All images courtesy of Elio Mercer
Elio It was really grounding and celebratory to share space with artists that had very similar lived experiences to me. That felt quite rare and special and was even more interesting to see the wide variety of expression that was on show. I’m forever grateful to Rosa Kwir for the amazing work they’re doing!
Artiq What do you want the audience to take away from your work?
Elio I hope my work can be viewed in all sorts of readings, and people can take what they are looking for from the piece. The ambiguity and spaces in between the work are what I find interesting, so I like the idea that they can both embody a lot of fantasies, but also leave a lot of questions.
Elio Mercer is exhibiting in Queer Frontiers: Queer Myths, Queer Futures June 29 - July 4 at 1-4 Walker's Court, London W1F 0BS.
All images courtesy of Elio Mercer