J. Carino

J. Carino is a contemporary artist known for his exploration of the interactions between people and nature, particularly how our sense of self is intertwined with the natural world. His work features monumental nude, queer figures set against landscapes that are both idyllic and fraught with danger, wrestling with themes of traditional fertility and queer intimacy.

Carino’s artistic practice challenges societal views that label queer identities as "unnatural" by illustrating the inherent connection between nudity, sexuality, and queerness and the elemental aspects of the landscape. The figures in his work reflect various scales of time, from the fleeting lives of wildflowers to the enduring presence of mountains, suggesting a profound continuity between human existence and the natural environment.

Incorporating a mixture of self-portraiture and studies from models, Carino creates dynamic compositions that allow him to bring together different facets of his identity. This fusion of personal and collective narratives serves to highlight the “naturalness” of queer bodies within their surroundings, emphasizing their integral role in the landscape.

Through his art, J. Carino seeks to foster a deeper understanding of how our experiences are shaped by both the natural world and our personal histories.