OFM art
Master of All Mediums
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rag is already a complex artform: performers are often slammed if they don’t do their own makeup, make their own costumes, choreograph and conceptualize their own numbers, and then pull it all off flawlessly. Despite the renaissance, multi-faceted requirements of the drag world, Louis Trujillo is still called to take it one step further and capture the whole thing through the medium of visual art. “I incorporate my own gender performance into my work,” he explains. “What I mean by that is, before I create any drawing, I’m putting myself or other men, straight or gay, into female—well, what society calls female— clothing, accessories, wigs, and asking them to feel themselves in front of the camera. I do that, and I’ve also had the opportunity to do some drag performances.” With talent and a passion for both drawing and drag, Trujillo does run into some time constraints pursuing what could be two fulltime jobs, but he does find that the two mediums are complimentary. And by incorporating the connecting medium of photography, he is able to capture the drag looks he creates for himself and others and then draw them later. “I get to immortalize these performances and acts by creating these colored pencil drawings that will last a lifetime, and hopefully be shown in galleries and part of museum collections.”
Art provided by Louis Trujillo
Louis Trujillo
by Addison Herron-Wheeler
Having worked with many models, artists, and galleries, including the all-gay, male show Lavendar Mist, and an exhibition during Pride featuring all queer artists, Trujillo is a solidified fixture in the Denver art world. Next, he has his sights set on drag, including learning how to do his own costumes and makeup. Trujillo’s art makes no apologies for the bold and beautiful human form, highlighting curvy, full-figured, bearded queens in all their glory. “With my drawings, I really love to juxtapose thick beards and hairy chests with beautiful makeup, beautiful wigs, stiletto heels,” he says. “Heels are my favorite. I feel like if I have a couple drinks, I can walk in them pretty good.”
