Matthew Dayler
“I am interested in using the self as a billboard for my thoughts and ideas on our social, cultural, and political identities I comment on life from a gay male perspective.
My work promotes individualism, through embracing elements of dj culture, graffiti, popular news media, gay life and fashion. I use drawing, printmaking, video, photography, and paint to create my work.
I references gay culture, self-portraiture and gender stereotypes in a vibrantly iconic, pop fashion. I use Masks as a symbol of rebellion, disguise, sexual play, and as a way to neutralize identity through sameness.
The most important influences on our popular culture have spawned from some sort of underground. These self-persona are representations of defenders of this underground. These characters are presented like Byzantine icons, with self-inflicted individuality. I see these characters as the future renegades or protectors of authenticity”. – Matthew Dayler
