This is an interview with Kuya Carlo who had appeared in our Exhibition and Publication “Contrast, Issue 2“.
Your work involves a kawaii-inspired aesthetic, what drew you to this style and how do you see it as a way to communicate your message?
I’ve always loved cute things like cartoons and anime because they bring me joy, and as I became an artist, it felt natural to adapt this kawaii-inspired style to share that same joy with viewers. As a chubby brown man, I personally think chubby men are cute; they tend to be depicted as rugged or intimidating, and I want to subvert this by making them cute instead.
How do you balance the playful atmosphere of the work with the serious socially-driven messages of body positivity and inclusivity?
I draw my characters in a cute style and in a non-sexualized manner to show that fat people can simply exist. I place them in settings where typically attractive men would be, like the vacation scenes in my ‘Paradise’ collection. This resonates deeply with me because I used to dread beach holidays, as it meant exposing parts of my body that I wasn’t comfortable showing. I know these moments can be tough for others, which is why I aim to shift the narrative through my illustrations. Creating art that’s disarming and approachable, which opens the door for deeper conversations about body positivity in a joyful, non-confrontational way. I want to affirm that men, regardless of race or size, deserve to feel confident in these normal settings.
What artists have inspired/influenced your work and style and why?
Tom of Finland, George Quaintance, and Jiraiya introduced me to how the male form is seen through the gay gaze.I often take their idealised muscular figures and replace them with cute, chubby brown men. In my ‘Paradise’ collection, I also draw inspiration from Hiroshi Nagai, a Japanese painter known for his city pop album cover designs. I aim to capture the same peaceful feelings he evokes in his work, transporting my viewers to a tranquil paradise filled with joy.
How do you hope your work contributes to the conversation surrounding inclusivity, body positivity within the queer art scene and the art world?
As a queer Filipino artist, I focus on chubby queer men of colour to contribute to the body positivity conversation. I aim to challenge narrow beauty standards by showcasing their innate cuteness, emphasising that representation matters. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their bodies. I believe that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected positively in art and media.
Where do you see your practice in the future?
I want my work to reach a wider audience, so I aim for ‘Paradise’ to be exhibited in galleries or featured in publications. Currently, I’m exploring ways to bring my digital sketches into the physical world, whether that is through printing techniques such as screen printing or 3D sculptures. I am very excited about both of these possibilities. After ‘Paradise,’ I’ll explore new themes like chubby brown men in uniforms, at the gym, and their kinks. I have lots of ideas to explore. Additionally, I’m eager to collaborate with companies and other artists to produce engaging pieces that resonate with a broader audience. I’m really looking forward to what’s to come, and I’d love for everyone to keep up with my journey on social media!