Silk Rodeo Romeo

Silk Rodeo Romeo playfully explores the nature of masculinity in the Middle East and North Africa — where the crude nature of hyper-masculinity is at once revered and queered. Represented here by a young Egyptian man originally painted by Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Seen in the midst of ornate set pieces and archetypal characters from the Islamic world. Building into an ironic rainbow extravaganza that speaks to a curious dichotomy in the region. Hyper-masculine societies with ancient roots of poetic bromances from Rumi and beyond. Not to mention all the queer aesthetics found from bazaars to shisha bars. Often playing camp techno versions of classic songs that lend an extra layer of queerness to spaces where many still deny homosexuality even exists, like Iran's former president… despite all the men in the region walking arm in arm, holding hands, and with many fooling around together before marrying women. Which is why this painting of the young, soft and sweet looking Egyptian man stood out. Imbued with an ease and grace, he's comfortable in his subtle gay symbolism. Cocked hip. Tasteful fashion. Inviting gaze. A reminder of the region's pre-colonial history, when expressions of same-sex affection (even desire) were not stigmatised in the ways they are now.