Getting Cultured With AJ Sloan: Rick Castro’s Photography is Rocking the Tom of Finland Art Fair, GlobalSexual

October 4, 2023
AJ SLOAN

As the Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival GlobalSexual debuts in Los Angeles, it promises to infuse the thriving LA art scene with a healthy dose of homoeroticism. With the fair, cums a wave of anticipation and excitement. So many outstanding artists are taking part, including the renowned photographer Rick Castro.

With decades of experience in capturing queer-centric fetish imagery, Rick Castro has been a trailblazer in the art world, fearlessly challenging conventions and celebrating all that is gay. As Los Angeles prepares to host this groundbreaking art fair, the photography of Rick Castro promises to be a highlight. Join us as we dive deep into Rick's artistic journey, his unapologetic approach to queer sensuality, and the significance of his participation in this monumental event.

RICK CASTRO FOREVER: photographic retrospective of life&death, 5th October, 4~7pm at the historic Columbarium, Hollywood Forever~https://t.co/WADxKgYiDy pic.twitter.com/uLTa0IxTDY

— RICK CASTRO (@ANTEBELLUM1) October 4, 2023

As the Tom of Finland Art Fair GlobalSexual makes its debut in Los Angeles, what exciting developments do you foresee it bringing to the already thriving LA art scene?

Los Angeles has always been underrated when it comes to art. Celebrity culture sucks all the air out of the room. As we know, LA is the place where everything can and does happen. TOF and I have been promoting homosensual art for decades, eons! With GlobalSexual, TOF is making its mark internationally, nationally, and locally. We are the future.

Los Angeles is a city with a unique character and energy all its own. Can you share how the essence of LA has left its mark on your artistic journey throughout the years?

For sure. I started my photography career in 1986. In that era, it was a big deal to present homoerotic, fetish images, and there was a lot of blowback. Even presenting brown and black male nudes was a big deal during the Ralph Lauren/Calvin Klein caucasiaphile '80s. A shift in fetish acceptance started in the early '90s, with the opening of Cluck Fuck! LA’s first fetish club for all genders and persuasions set in the background of early industrial music. Regular attendees included myself, go-go dancer Ron Athey, Kathy Opie, Jenny Shimizu, Durk Dehner, James Stone, Sharie Rose, and Bob Flanagan. In the 21st century, Los Angeles is where it’s all it. Everybody wants to live here.

RICK CASTRO FOREVER: photographic retrospective of life&death at Hollywood Forever Cemetery~ opening reception~ 5th,October~ 4~7pm~https://t.co/fz8YXkgvHt pic.twitter.com/rqcaIWJElH

— RICK CASTRO (@ANTEBELLUM1) September 22, 2023

Could you offer us a sneak peek into your upcoming body of work set to be showcased at the fair? What can viewers anticipate from this latest collection?

I’m presenting RICK CASTRO: LA LIVE! Art booth as a pun on the Excess Entertainment Complex next to the Los Angeles Convention Center. I decided to present more color. I’ve been B&W goth for a while now, so thought I’d spice it up.

RICK CASTRO FOREVER~ opening reception, 5th October, 4~7pm at the historic Columbarium at Hollywood Forever Cemetery~https://t.co/a4GqhIe4oM pic.twitter.com/HmRCgB6JSX

— RICK CASTRO (@ANTEBELLUM1) October 3, 2023

Your career spans an impressive timeline, featuring an extensive body of work. Would you be willing to guide us through the evolution of your artistry over the years, highlighting key transformations and influences that have shaped your creative path?

You know it’s all a blur. I’ve been at it so long with high highs and low lows. I take pride that I’ve never been swayed by peer pressure, always presenting my ideas that are original and unapologetically queer, pro-sex. I take no prisoners. I refused to accept censorship of queer sensuality. I thought the GLBTQ communities had finally lived through the dark judgment times, but unfortunately once again In the 21st century, we are forced to push back hard. And I do.

As an artist known for your work in fetish photography, could you share your personal interpretation and significance of this genre?

Fetish for me is a lifelong identification. I understand fetish, acknowledging its true definition — a desire in which gratification is strongly linked to a particular object, activity, or part of the body. And most importantly — an inanimate object worshiped for its magical powers or because it is considered to be inhabited by a spirit. The self-empowering of an item/object through one’s own belief, thus gives it power. All of my art has the power and energy of fetish, whether it's erotic or not.

RICK CASTRO FOREVER: photographic retrospective of life&death~5th October, 4~7pm at the historic Columbarium at Hollywood Forever~https://t.co/SZF0xlwlFA pic.twitter.com/pcepUnqpdB

— RICK CASTRO (@ANTEBELLUM1) October 1, 2023

As we look forward, what exciting projects or endeavors are on the horizon for Rick Castro?

RICK CASTRO FOREVER: Photographic retrospective of Life & Death at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, October 5th, 4-7pm ~opening reception~ thru November 30th by appointment.

QUEER-ISH: Photography & the LGBTQ+ Imaginary, a historic group exhibition at the Ruth Chandler Williamson Art Gallery, Scripps College, Claremont, October 28 — December 15.

And my photography and writings will be featured in Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines, at the Brooklyn Museum, NY from November 17, 2023 through March 31, 2024.

RICK CASTRO: LA LIVE! featuring Rick Castro's photography collection from 1986-2023, books, zines, and DVDs. – tom of finland art&culture festival~
7/8 October-https://t.co/qpzhQ5Lz1e @ANTEBELLUM1 pic.twitter.com/niAIaSM9om

— RICK CASTRO (@ANTEBELLUM1) September 29, 2023

Follow Rick Castro on Instagram and Twitter.