The Exploration of Identity and Liberation

VISUAL ART

Oct 25

2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

By Jevrier Zapata

Growing up in Puerto Rico, discovering my sexuality as a young boy came with a lot of shame and confusion. I grew up surrounded by religious beliefs, traditional family values, and a culture where being gay is often viewed by others with judgment and prejudice. Liking another boy felt like something I was supposed to hide rather than something I could openly embrace.

For years, I carried that shame with me. My artwork became a way to confront it and reclaim the parts of myself I had once been afraid to express. Through my work, I explore sexuality, identity, desire, and vulnerability without the barriers that once held me back.

My art is unapologetically gay. It is a space where I can exist freely, openly, and authentically. What was once a source of shame has become a source of power. My work is about reclaiming my identity and celebrating the freedom to be exactly who I am.

A large drawing of a pomegranate cut in half against a black background. The white interior holds red seeds, and each seed contains a curled-up nude figure. Orange flame-shaped petals form the crown at the top.

poMENgranate

Rooted in Greek mythology, 'poMENgranate' uses the ancient symbols of life and rebirth to celebrate the joy of being a gay man. Placing the male figure inside the pomegranate seed, the piece serves as a metaphor for transformation, challenging traditional masculinity and exploring who a man can truly be in this life.

A round mixed-media artwork on a bed of green moss. A painted cut-out figure with bright blue skin, short black hair and pointed ears lies face-down with hands clasped and legs raised in a V. White fabric daisies and green leaves surround the figure, along with small painted objects: bottles, instant photos, a magazine, grey underwear and sex toys.

El Maricón

'El Maricón' is deeply rooted in my lived experience as a gay Latino navigating the cultural expectations of my community. In many Latin American cultures, homosexuality is heavily stigmatized, with derogatory slurs like maricón weaponized to inflict shame. This piece is an act of reclamation. By leaning into the very words meant to diminish us, I transform a weapon of exclusion into a declaration of radical self-acceptance. It is a defiant shrug, a celebration of identity, and a profound statement of: This is who I am—so what?

Based in New York's Hudson Valley, queer Latin artist Jevrier Zapata (he/him) interrogates the multifaceted nature of contemporary masculinity. His work delves into the male psyche, transforming personal history into a broader dialogue on empowerment. By reframing vulnerability as a pillar of sexual confidence, Zapata offers a captivating lens into the queer experience. Follow Jevrier on Instagram: @Jevysart