BY SHANE GALLAGHER
Mike Ruiz has a lofty goal: that all people, especially those who live outside the world’s cultural epicenters, should be able to consume art in all ways possible. He is constantly looking for innovative ways to canvas his art.
This month, he partners with high-end clothing retailer Any Old Iron to turn his photo work into a collection of uber-sexy tees. Retailing for $80 each, the first four pieces in the Wearable Art line are The David, The Sean, The Nick and The Todd.
The first offerings in the collection continue Ruiz’s celebration of the hyper-masculine form, as seen in his wildly successful photo book, “Pretty Masculine.” The book of well-coifed and duly oiled fitness models has often been likened to the work of Tom of Finland; however, Ruiz’s highly stylized and intricately produced images elevate the photos beyond the muscle-clone fantasy of Tom’s men. Ruiz’s images evoke a real appreciation for – and pay homage to – the hard work the men put into creating their Adonis forms.
We spoke to Ruiz at the New York unveiling of his Wearable Art tee-shirt collection.
Do you intend to turn guys into walking museums?
It is my intention to make art more accessible.
Should art be wearable?
Art should be consumed in every way possible. With advancements in technology, there really are no boundaries as to how art should be seen and appreciated.
The whole universe is your canvas!
I think displaying art anywhere you can is a wonderful thing.
It sure beautifies things.
The reason I became a photographer was so that I could manifest a more beautiful reality for myself. I began with creating images that made me happy. Now, I’m extending into the community by paying my good fortune forward.
The tees depict supersized Adonis men with bulging muscles.
The male form has been idealized in art for centuries. I am just giving it my point of view.
Are muscles art?
When a sculptor works tirelessly on a chunk of clay or metal, it is something to be revered and admired. Why would the actual human body be any different? Anyone who works with drive and focus to sculpt their own bodies should most certainly be viewed as art.
What inspired you to become so driven?
I was a dreamer from a very young age. That, coupled with being marginalized for my ethnicity, as well as my sexual orientation and the fact that I was overweight as a child, led me to realize early on that the only way to peace of mind was to transcend it all.
Did you sacrifice anything along the way?
No, I didn’t have to sacrifice anything in the process. I held strong to my humanity.
In addition to the tees, you’re also entering the digital world with a new app.
My app will be many things. It will be a digital book of my images. It will have video content including model and artist interviews and behind the scenes footage. It will also be a conduit for people to support the three charities that are near and dear to me heart: The Ali Forney Center, Green Chimneys and Bullies and Buddies Animal Rescue [where he adopted his beautiful pitbull, Oliver].
What’s left to accomplish?
It’s all icing on the cake from here on out. I’m thrilled to have my beautiful family and the freedom to appreciate them.
Last question: Can skinny be beautiful?
Of course! Thin is beautiful as are all body shapes. All people who love themselves radiate beauty.
