Portraits of Pleasure:

Alfonso del Moral on Art, Identity and Intimacy

Your work seems deeply introspective. How has your personal journey and understanding of love, sexuality, and hedonism shaped the stories you choose to tell through your art?

Over time, I’ve realised that painting reveals more about me than I initially thought. It’s not just about depicting what’s in front of me but responding to impulses, both conscious and unconscious. Ten years ago, my paintings were limited to still lifes, landscapes, and occasional portraits. As my worldview expanded, so did my work.

Nearly nine years ago, a personal crisis led me to embrace my queer identity, which deeply transformed my art. I started Just Some Fantasies, painting explicit imagery reflecting my evolving desires. At first, my work conformed to cisnormative ideals, but as I redefined myself, I incorporated more diverse bodies and identities.

My open and committed relationship with my partner, Diego, has also influenced my work; manifesting in portraits of our lovers and Diego himself. My erotic painting project remains ongoing, as sexuality and identity continue to evolve in my life. Looking back, my painting not only reflects my journey but also helps shape it.

You describe blending academic tradition with digital aesthetics. How do the influences of social media and electronic screens shape your portrayal of hedonistic themes, particularly in the context of self-expression and identity?

Just Some Fantasies emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when digital interaction replaced physical connection. Many images I painted were submitted via Instagram, shaping the aesthetic of the project. I later incorporated elements like memes, emojis, and social media interfaces, reflecting how we navigate desire today.

Though it may seem at odds with tradition, I see digital aesthetics as an extension of painting. Screens, like paintings, have always been windows to a constructed reality. The Baroque had cherubs floating in the air, now we have the eggplant emoji. Art must evolve or become obsolete.

In your work, desire and crime are intertwined. How do you approach this intersection artistically, and what role does it play in challenging traditional narratives of love and sexuality?

Queer narratives are largely absent in art history. Historically, queer individuals had to reinterpret existing works to find representation. Today, we are actively constructing our own artistic lineage. I use tradition as a tool to question tradition, placing myself within a historical dialogue while maintaining my individuality. This allows me to honour and challenge the past, shaping a more inclusive artistic narrative.

How do morality, convention, and societal expectations influence your depiction of pleasure?

These forces both define and restrict artistic exploration. Morality and norms dictate what is deemed acceptable, yet art thrives in exposing these tensions.

I’ve noticed that when nudity is framed within mythology, audiences are more receptive to male eroticism. Mythology provides a vehicle to explore sexuality beyond restrictive religious frameworks. However, both classical and Catholic traditions shape my visual language, creating a constant dialogue between opposing forces. Explicit painting questions societal taboos and gender expectations, redefining desire while exploring alternative perspectives on love, identity, and the body. Art, in this sense, becomes an act of pleasure, resistance, and self-discovery.

How do the dualities of duty and desire manifest in your exploration of love and sexuality?

My partner and I share a relationship rooted in freedom and trust. Over time, we’ve developed a dynamic that evolves alongside our needs. We prioritise openness, honesty, and affection, reshaping our relationship rather than conforming to external expectations.

This mirrors my approach to painting. While my figurative style may seem out of step with the contemporary art world’s preference for abstraction, I refuse to conform to trends. I paint how I love to paint, just as I live how I love to live, on my own terms.