04/06/2024
We are thrilled to announce that our Artist of the Month this June is the multidisciplinary artist, Daniel Rey (). Born in Caracas, Venezuela, and residing in London, Daniel works across painting, performance and video. In his artistic practice, Rey explores how architecture relates to the human body, and the ways in which we inhabit a space - be it a city, our home or a swimming pool.
Drawing on his Latin American cultural heritage and his background in architecture, his immersive installations challenge traditional notions of masculinity and explore themes of migration and cultural hybridity. “In my practice, I explore how the concepts of masculinity, queerness and nostalgia connect to our built environment,” says Daniel. “These themes are inspired by my upbringing in Venezuela where there is a strong machismo culture embedded in society.”
This piece, titled, ‘Why Do Swimmers Suddenly Appear’, is inspired by Daniel’s experience of competitive swimming. The performance, featuring three ‘competitors’ defiantly posing on diving platforms, investigates how certain activities and sites convey normative ideas about gender and masculinity. “I was interested in subverting the dynamics of a swimming competition - where there’s testosterone, rivalry, and demonstrations of masculinity - into something more evocative, and sensitive,” Daniel explains.
💡 Make sure to read the full interview with Daniel by visiting the ArtULTRA website via the link in our bio.