Fur and Feathers comprises a series of oil paintings that combine Italian Renaissance techniques with contemporary subject matter. Eccentric fashion and style serves as a window into the alternative lifestyle choices of his portrait subjects; their fur trim, feather boas, Mohawks, smoky eyes, and black clothing signal the individual’s defiance of a conventional American mindset. Inspired by the stories and dramas of his friend’s lives, Pugliese questions America’s social expectation for a homogeneous physical appearance, lifestyle, and mindset.

Your use of “nonconventional models” as subjects of aesthetically classical oil paintings draw attention to the ways in which style and subject matter interact to relay a specific message to the viewer. How has this combination of nonconventional and conventional elements developed in relation to one another to celebrate or critique what you call “nonconformity in contemporary America?”

I am interested in making paintings of people in our time. I look for individuals who through their appearance are not afraid to be noticed. This is what I define as nonconformist; someone who behaves and dresses differently. You risk judgment and critique. I see my painting style as not being the standard style of our age. It is a personal style for fulfillment that I pursue for my own joy rather than conforming to the standard aesthetics of paintings.

What inspires the subject matter you choose to portray in your paintings? In choosing models with atypical dress and character, how do you comment upon a desirable visibility in both society and in the art world?

The people I painted I met at the Burning Man festival last year. I was very inspired by their personal style and their passion for life.

You aim to emphasize subjects that appear rich in character; how does your classical aesthetic allow the character of your subjects to better emanate from your work?

My painting techniques allow me to go beyond simply depicting costume but attempt to emotionally portray the individual. I hope that each of the paintings transcends the outlandish costume and can be seen as a real portrait of character. The costume being the first thing to catch the eye, and draw you in.

In each portrait you state that you aim to express a sense of “perseverance, love, and staying true to oneself.” ‪To depict this mantra, you portray unconventional subject matter in your work while simultaneously exposing their non-conformity to mainstream society. How do you feel this duplicity is perceived?

The friends that became the inspiration for this work inspired me because they were willing to dress in the manner that could draw attention and therefore critique a judgment of themselves. To do so, is to risk rejection with the desire to stay true to ones self. This attitude is one I can relate to as an artist whose style is not the mainstream modernist aesthetic. It takes perseverance to hold to ones ideals.

The full interview with Chris lives here.

Fur and Feathers

New Works by Chris Pugliese

The Shooting Gallery

Opening Reception: July 120h, 2010, from 7-11pm

Show runs through August 7th, 2010, and is open to the public

More info at www.shootinggallerysf.com

and  pugliesestudios.com

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