Carlos QuirozCarlos Quiroz
Biography
Freedom through photography
by Tony Esposito
Born in Peru, Carlos Quiroz grew up in a constrictive social climate where
sexuality and, even more, homosexuality are hidden. After years of architectural
studies, a possible important contract brought him to Montreal where he finally settled
at the beginning of the 80's. A shock, a complete new vision about culture, politics,
society, religion and sexuality!
He is surprised and fascinated by the North American opening towards homosexuality and how easy you can buy a porn magazine at any cornerstore. This fascination lead him to photograph male nudes. And with his first model, a Mr. Buds winner, everything started. Reaction transgression, search for freedom, the explosion of sensitivity inspired his work. American magazines (Mandate, Numbers and In Touch) got interested. The circle closed; Carlos could see his own photos in the magazines that triggered his taste for freedom. It was up to him to transmit a political message through the world.
Feedbacks confirmed him the
importance of his work, such as letters from gay Mexican men telling him how his
images helped their coming out. Political expression then changed into artistic consciousness.
Publications and exhibits happened, from Paris to New York, in Spain as well as in
Canada, but that's not Quiroz goal. His work was an important factor
in the decision of some porn moviemakers to choose Quebec for filming and models
(Falcon Studios, Kristern Bjorn). A movie about his work (Limites)
was made in 1994. An art book, Reliquiæ, was published in 1996 and winning
the Library of Congress Best Artist Book award of the year. The Canadian Museum of
Contemporary Photography added a picture of Quiroz
in its collection, while the Musee de l'Elysee, in Lausanne (Switzerland) took 30
of them.
Carlos Quiroz shoots flowers, landscapes, signs
of passing seasons, but works only with male models one at a time. He has adopted
the natural light as his only lighting source. His approach implies a comprehension
by the photographer of what is happening in front of the camera. The model's boldness,
the transgression process they start by their attitude, their movements or simply
the acceptance of showing their body makes them revolutionnaries. And the photographer's
gay conscience is essential. According to him, being a male nude photographer is
the best thing someone can attain.
