In the latest of our interview series with queer artists, Loverboy’s Fallon Gold talks with Quango Leung who has an exhibition of his work coming up this month in Soho, London.

What inspires you to create a work of art?
My mood determines what I draw and paint. It could be triggered by music or a film. Anything can set the scene and then I just follow what is in my head,

Who or what are your influences?
My main influences are Picasso, Francis Bacon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Francisco Goya, Henry Matisse and Egon Schiele.

Do you identify as a queer artist?
No, I identify myself as an artist that happens to be queer and like cock.

What is queer art to you?
If I was to categorise ‘Queer Art’ I would say it is art based on the gay, fetish scene and Candy Candy Japanese cartoon artwork.

 

Who are some of your favourite artists?
Picasso, Francis Bacon, Jean-Michael Basquiat, Francisco Goya, Henry Matisse and Egon Schiele. But there are lesser known artists and street artists that inspire me. Art is subjective and very personal. What one person sees and creates as art other people will not understand. Artists often fall into boxes which I don’t want to do. Art is about conveying a message and/or image that the artist wants to share. If they like it and get it, that is great. If they don’t like it then it creates conversations and discussions which fuel new artwork.

Are there any mediums you haven’t worked in yet that you’d like to try?
I have worked with pencil, charcoal, oil and pastel but yet to try watercolor. However, currently, a lot of my work is done is pastel (soft and oil)

What’s are you working on right now?
I have just completed a series of pastel and acrylic pieces based on my observations on life, my anxieties and the world around me. I have a solo exhibition coming up in Soho entitled Topless where I am exhibiting pieces which are based on my own assessment of vulnerabilities and insecurities.

What’s next for you?
I follow my head and heart. Nothing is ever planned. Something will trigger a focus and will spur me on to create artwork based on what I am seeing in my life, the news and the world. It could be oil based, pastel, charcoal or a collage. My artwork is not constrained. I will see how my Toplessexhibition works out. Feedback on this will scope

See more of Quango’s work at his website and at the show in London at My Place, 21 Berwick Street, Soho, W1F 0PZ, 12 September 2017, 6:30 pm to 9pm