THEO POLYMORPHOS: ELYSIAN FIELDS AND MYTH MAKING

Theo Polymorphos, a Florida-based Queer artist, crafts enchanting narratives that bridge the universal and the personal through his upcoming solo exhibition titled “Elysian Fields; Myth Making with Theo Polymorphos.” Hosted online at Artsy.net by Dama Gallery and featured as part of The Bureau of Queer Art, Volume 4, Pink Tide at Dama Gallery in Ventura, CA, Theo’s work invites viewers into a world where myth meets the canvas in profound and innovative ways. From May 8th to August 8th, 2024, his solo show promises to dive deeply into the lush landscapes of myth and memory.

Theo’s creative process is a unique alchemy of inspiration drawn from diverse sources—from nature and poetry to the profound depths of classical mythology. “Mythology and folktales are not just stories from the past; they are lived experiences that weave through my dreams and meditations, emerging as visions that guide my artwork,” Theo explains. This deep connection to myth is not merely academic; it’s visceral, affecting his subconscious and informing his creative output in unexpected, dynamic ways.

Theo Polymorphos delves into the creative origins of his upcoming exhibit with a poetic flair, noting, “Each painting begins with a spark—an image, a song lyric, or a scene from a dream.” Amplified by a deep understanding of ancient myths, these initial sparks gradually evolve into complex narrative artworks that articulate universal themes viewed through a queer lens. He emphasizes that his works are not mere illustrations of myths; instead, they represent an attempt to “live the stories forward” through personal engagement with the themes. By weaving mythical figures and narratives with the nuances of contemporary queer life, Theo crafts a dialogue that resonates across time and cultures.

This process of reinterpretation allows Theo to explore and expand upon traditional stories, infusing them with personal and modern relevances. “My work aims to connect these ancient narratives with the lived experiences of queer people today, revealing the timeless and evolving nature of these myths,” he explains. His approach enriches the mythological characters and tales with new layers of meaning and invites viewers to find their reflections within the tapestry of his art.

For his show “Elysian Fields,” Theo dives into the imaginative realms where gods and mortals mingle, reinterpreting these stories with a modern twist that reflects his identity and experiences as a queer individual. “I draw a lot of inspiration from myths about characters who are somehow Other due to their strangeness or mutability, which often affords them special knowledge and powers. There are many parallels between ancient quests and the modern search for identity, meaning, and wholeness. It’s about making these old stories new and relevant, imbuing them with a spirit that resonates with today’s diverse audiences,” he notes.

Theo’s artistic method involves a dynamic interplay of traditional techniques and digital tools. He usually begins with a series of thumbnail sketches in charcoal to design the overall composition, lighting, and figure poses. Armed with these ideas, he assembles various drawings, paint sketches, and photo references, working with live models to refine poses. All these he will later combine into his mythic visions. “Maintaining a strong foundation in traditional techniques ensures keeps my skills sharp and helps me feel connected to great artists of the past, while photos and digital tools allow me to experiment quickly over multiple iterations, gradually honing in on a composition that’s faithful to the original visions in my imagination,” he describes. This process is cyclical, moving from physical to digital mediums and back again, combining the convenience of technology with the rich texture of detail and emotion that only traditional techniques can achieve.

Describing one of his most complex works for the exhibition, Theo details a painting first inspired by a vision of a kingfisher that evolved into an extended meditation on Dionysian myths, Paleolithic cave paintings, alchemy, and Nietzschean philosophy. “This piece involved sculpting a physical mask that the model wore in a photo shoot. It’s about shapeshifting as a way of embodying myth and diving into one’s depths, adorning the external body with symbols to enable an internal transformation,” he shares. This mask, along with the vibrant depictions in the painting, invites viewers into a narrative that is both ancient and deeply personal, exploring themes of transformation and identity.

Listeners can explore more of Theo Polymorphos’s thoughts and stories behind his paintings in an extensive interview available on The Bureau of Queer Art’s podcast. This discussion delves deeper into how myths from various cultures have influenced his work and how he sees these ancient narratives reflecting personal and communal truths in the modern world.

For those who are moved by the interconnections of art, mythology, and queer identity, Theo’s exhibition and his presence in the podcast are not to be missed. His work challenges us to see the old stories with new eyes, find the divine in the mundane, and recognize the myths among us. As Theo steps further into the art world, his journey highlights the transformative power of art to shape personal and collective narratives.

To fully experience the breadth of Theo’s creative vision, audiences are encouraged to view his works online at Artsy.net (Dama Gallery) and visit the Pink Tide exhibition. Engaging with his art, subscribing to the podcast, and supporting queer art not only enrich our appreciation of diverse narratives but also support the vibrant community of artists like Theo, who continue to push the boundaries of expression and visibility. υ