Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Castelan.
Angel, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in Southeast Houston and while I was very artistic growing up, I never saw art as more than a hobby. I was actually a psychology major in undergrad at the University of Houston when a visit from a close family friend prompted me to take a drawing course. Halfway through that semester I had, unknowingly to my parents, changed my major to graphic design and very shortly after, to painting.
It wasn’t until I got into the BFA painting program at UH that I told my parents that I’d changed majors and although they weren’t too thrilled about it, they were supportive. Close to the end of the program, I was offered a group show called “Open Your Eyes” with Zoya Tommy gallery which was well received. Shortly before graduation in spring of 2016, I was asked to return to UH in the fall for the MFA program. I accepted the offer and am currently in my final year of the MFA painting program.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Being of Mexican descent, identity and the influences of culture and societal tropes has always been something I’ve struggled with. Growing up I always felt kind of out of place, regardless if I was in the States or Mexico. Then when I came out to my parents as gay at the start of grad school, my work shifted to include my relationships (both romantic and interpersonal) and how tropes affect them. Essentially, my work explores the effects of intersectionality on being gay, male, and Latinx. Despite being in the painting program, I also work with drawing and printmaking. I source my reference material from my own life and experiences, and rely on portraiture, and stand-ins to not only create dialogues between these tropes, art history, and identity but also to subvert them. For example, machismo conflicts with queerness, the shift of the male gaze from the female to the male figure, and the use of anonymity in portraiture.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Studio time is important but so is taking time for yourself. After all you don’t want to burn yourself out or even force your practice! Make sure to take time to recharge! I struggle with this every now and then but take risks. Don’t let yourself get comfortable with your practice. One of my best friends, who is also painter, taught me that sometimes you just have to say, “fuck it” and do the things that scare you.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work on my website and Instagram! Although it needs a little updating, my website is the place to go to see all of my work, CV, and any news/upcoming shows. My Instagram is my personal one so you’ll get a little bit of everything there but mostly in-progress shots! For those of you who would rather see work in person, I have a studio at the University of Houston. So, feel free to contact me and we’ll set up a meeting! As for supporting my work, come out to my shows, share and/or buy my work! Along with my paintings, I always have prints and drawings for sale! Otherwise, I’m also available for commissions! I also love collaborating with other artists so feel free to contact me if you want to collaborate or even put a show together!
Contact Info:
- Website: acastelan.net
- Email: acastelan.art@gmail.com
- Instagram: acas_9
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