Gnarly but sublime

Published almost 2 years ago • 1 min read

Darlings, how are you? Today another mini dispatch for you. With the sultry weather descending on NYC—and sultry in NYC is unfortunately not nearly as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof romantic as you might think—and a show to prep for, I’m keeping in brief today.

Recently, I caught the last day of an amazing exhibition at Fragment Gallery in NYC. Both the artist, Li Wang, and space were new to me. I was deeply impressed by both.

The gallery’s mission says it all: “Fragment is a contemporary art gallery guided by a mission of supporting LGBTQI+, women and BIPOC artists.” I can’t top that, so I won’t even try.

Instead, let me gush about the artist being exhibited: Li Wang.

His work is touching and intimate despite the large scale. The colors are electric and the brush work wonderfully energetic giving a rush of power to quotidian, domestic scenes. Add to that glorious bits of humor that animate the scenes, reveling in the details of cramped urban kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

Trudging through a hot, sticky subway, throngs of midtown tourists, and an inscrutable intercom at the entrance actually created the perfect context for these works that celebrate, and skillfully make beautiful, the vicissitudes of gnarly but sublime urban existence.

Check out the works and the gallery: https://fragment.gallery/artists/93-li-wang/works/ and expect to hear more about both.

Meanwhile, see what delights I’ve got waiting in my trunk!

Yes, darlings, book your ferry fairy ✨ rides now! It’s back and bigger this time. After last year’s wonderful show at Reflections, we’re moving to the Ice Palace and giving you even more artistic delights to cash-and-carry home with you. Small gems (but big assets 🍑) to enhance your collection without having to worry about how you’re getting it home. Suitcase-friendly smut!

Here’s a sampling of works I’ll have available. Click on the images for more info—and your chance to collect them now if you can’t make the show in person.

painting of two men, from the shoulders up, one behind the other passionately grabbing his neck, the one in front head thrown back in ecstasy; they set against a backdrop of vibrant purple wisteria painting of standing male figure from the neck down; he's naked except for athletic socks and chuck taylor sneakers; he's standing on a yellow brick road flanked by impossibly large crocus flowers
painting of nude male torso against a dark leafy background; his semi erect cock is flopping gently to the left; he's flanked by bold tiger lilies pencil drawing of standing male nude, one hand discreetly positioned, the other raised and resting on something
pencil drawing of nude male figure from behind, leaning over, head bent down and on relaxed hand visible comic book cover, Chasing the Flame by Edward Ficklin, showing sexy himbo heroes fighting and kissing

​

Until next time, flame on! 🔥

This has been the Queer Quantum Dispatch, brought to you by artist Edward Ficklin. If you enjoyed it, smash the forward button and share the love. 💖 If you got this from a friend (and what a friend!) subscribe for more!

​

Edward Ficklin (he/him), the maverick artist not afraid to say gay, is dedicated to creating erotic art as a pathway to liberation for all. His surrealist work centers the nude figure exploring its own delights, ranging from the sensual to the ecstatic. In defiance of the societal forces attempting erasure by legislation, algorithm, or so-called “community” standards, he delights viewers with imagery of sex and body positivity. His paintings have appeared in NYC galleries like Foley Gallery and the SoHo Project Space, national exhibitions dedicated to erotic art such as CLAW Leather Getaway Kinky Art Show and Tucson Erotica, and numerous naughty, but high quality, publications like Erotic Edges, Doable Guys, and Dirty Little Drawings. He likes his martinis straight up, with a twist, and, of course, made with gin. He adores the grit, freedom, and wild unpredictability of urban existence and continues, likely to the grave, attempts to get that orchid plant to bloom again.