Silk Rodeo Romeo Ed. 1 of 50

Silk Rodeo Romeo playfully explores the nature of masculinity in the Middle East and North Africa — where the crude nature of hyper-masculinity is at once revered and queered. Represented here by a young Egyptian man originally painted by Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Seen in the midst of ornate set pieces and archetypal characters from the Islamic world. Building into an ironic rainbow extravaganza that speaks to a curious dichotomy in the region. Hyper-masculine societies with ancient roots of poetic bromances from Rumi and beyond. Not to mention all the queer aesthetics found from bazaars to shisha bars. Often playing camp techno versions of classic songs that lend an extra layer of queerness to spaces where many still deny homosexuality even exists, like Iran's former president… despite all the men in the region walking arm in arm, holding hands, and with many fooling around together before marrying women. Which is why this painting of the young, soft and sweet looking Egyptian man stood out. Imbued with an ease and grace, he's comfortable in his subtle gay symbolism. Cocked hip. Tasteful fashion. Inviting gaze. A reminder of the region's pre-colonial history, when expressions of same-sex affection (even desire) were not stigmatised in the ways they are now.

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ABOUT ME
Born in Sydney, I spent my childhood surrounded by artists, oddballs and academics. They taught me to question everything. Respectfully and without fear.

Twenty-two countries and four continents later, I can find home anywhere with WiFi and a hearty chunk of intrigue. It's because of them, and I'm forever grateful.

ABOUT MY ART
It's All Just A Little Bit Of History Remixing...

We imagine history into existence every day. Shaping the world around us as we go. And I remake histories with every piece. From a motley crew of tales tall and true. A melange of myths, signs and symbols. Every one ripe for my kitsch confections, which could all be legends one day...

Every piece I create is true. Sourced from truth and grounded by it. But never real. Reality's a fiction we're all subscribed to, which doesn't make it any less true. And that's the thing about the truth. Or the past. It moves in both directions. Myriad, in fact. Never sitting still or doing as it's told. Forever questioned, dissected, reframed and upended. Queered and inverted. Packaged and performed. Told, retold, adapted then sold. Evolving like everything else. Which is why I like to think my art exists outside of time. Reaching for infinity instead of reality. A kaleidoscope of mish-mashed truths that are only ever as surreal as we choose to make them...
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Toby Leon