thePULSEGrafton Artist, Michael Breyette
Celebrating the Male Body.
December 2005 – Not all controversial art is meant to be so . . . well, controversial. Sometimes it just happens. The art of Michael Breyette (www.studio1088.com) is exactly that way. His work undoubtedly elicits strong emotions – desire, excitement, shock. But it isn’t because the artist is directly trying to confront observers or make a political statement. He isn’t out to start a revolution or overthrow Western Civilization. He just happens to find his subject exciting. “My artwork celebrates men. In life, love, and beauty.” And that’s why he paints – because he enjoys it, because it’s a celebration.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, Breyette’s subject is men. Nude, naked, provocative – he exposes the beauty of the male physique through his art. And he does so in powerful ways.
It’s shocking that this expression of human form is controversial and – in some circles – still taboo. The male body has long been a traditional focus of art. Leonardo DaVinci’s Vitruvian Man and Michelangelo’s David, along with much of classic Greek sculpture, all depict nude men. All are considered works of art and “‘beautiful.” The same beauty can be found in the work of Michael Breyette – albeit imbued with a stronger sense of sexuality. But this only makes the work that much more interesting. All observers should be able to appreciate these stunning portraits – regardless of orientation.
The artist’s first series, Men in Briefs, captures all the energy and athleticism of a man’s form with a stark, photographic quality. That these lifelike drawings were created with just pencil and charcoal is hard to believe. The use of shading to mimic skin tones and textures is absolutely breathtaking. The suggestive poses of the models bring implied motion to the pieces and make these portraits jump.
With color, Michael is equally gifted. His scenes of couples are bright and alluring. Each composition draws the observer in to the scene. His use of characters and the interaction of their body language is engaging – hinting at stories and subplots that would be fun to unravel.
While some have called the artist brazen for showcasing such provocative work, and still others have targeting his art with words like “pornographic,” Michael believes it is more passion than courage that drives him to share his work. Through the internet, he has discovered that there is significant interest in his work; he’s found encouragement and gained support and a devoted customer base.
This positive feedback wasn’t always so readily available. Michael grew up in upstate New York, a conservative enclave, not exactly the most nurturing environment for a budding gay artist. All of his early drawings and paintings conformed to the standard male adolescent themes – beautiful buxom women and landscapes. Feeling the pressure to be “normal,” he had to hide his desires. His talents became a reluctant gift. Creating what other people wanted to see was a joyless burden. He continued to paint – but only for himself. Then, when a few of his personal works were discovered, Michael decided to allow his talents to break free of the “straight” façade and truly blossom. “I was finally able to express myself as I had always wanted. No more hiding behind drawings of women, family portraits or those lovely little landscapes.” Slowly he began to embrace his passion publicly.
Today he continues to paint for himself – but lets us enjoy along with him.
