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The Queer Artist Making Cheeky, Homoerotic Disney Collages
Portis Wasp has become a fashion favorite.
If you're not following Portis Wasp on Instagram, you're likely living in a sad, nonsexual world that isn't filled with collages of hot men playing with furry little Disney characters. Do yourself a favor and take a look through his whimsical, colorful, and highly homoerotic page.
The Scottish artist has only been creating collages for a few years, but he's already made quite the name for himself in the world of sexual, high fashion, cheeky collage work, having designed images for everyone from Paperto VMANto the cover of Harper's Bazaar Taiwan's November 16 Art Issue.
Related | 10 Sexy Campy Collages From Queer Artist Portis Wasp
And in addition to his sleek, sexy, and often hilarious images, the Scotsman has more recently delved into the world of video art. His "Moodboards"--including film clips from sources like gay pornography, iconic movies, and Sailor Moon episodes--have propelled the designer to even greater Insta fame.
His simultaneously erotic and sweetly charming work is refreshingly simple and unpretentious. But we couldn't help but wonder: how did the idea for these flirty graphics come to be? We sat down with the artist to talk about how he began collaging, what he draws inspiration from, and where he hopes to take his blossoming career next.
OUT: How'd you get into collage? What was the first one you ever did?
Portis Wasp: I started making collages towards the end of 2014. I was a little fed up with feeling like I should be posting a lot of what everyone else seemed to be oversharing on social media, so I thought I'd instead start creating content myself for my Instagram. The first collage I posted was a simple one featuring photography from an editorial by photography duo ChuanDo & Frey.
Why hot guys and Disney? Any reason other than that you love them both?
Don't forget the hot girls too! I was actually looking for a way to work with a friend's photos and he enjoyed a cartoon illustration I had shared on my Instagram previously which showed a naked guy doing yoga alongside a bunny which gave me the idea to mix Disney elements with fashion photography. I like the playfulness of it, mixing something naughty and nice together.
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Did your art change at all after the 2016 Presidential Election in the US or after Brexit?
I like to think of my art as a way of escaping from the apocalypse so what I create is more influenced by a song I may be listening to or a film I might have watched that made me feel a certain way.
What inspired you to start doing moodboards?
I didn't really give it much thought to be honest. I was a little bored and wanted to see how easy/hard it would be to make one. I'm not at a place where I want to dedicate time to shooting content myself, but it's definitely something I'd like to explore at some point so the moodboards are just a good way of showing people what interests me in that area visually. It's fun for me to make them and my followers seem to really enjoy them which is great.
Career aspirations? Do you hope to move into longer film work?
I have so many career goals but if I'm fortunate enough to continue to be asked to work on fashion projects with great creatives, I'll be happy. I would of course love to explore the idea of longer film work and I would also like to work on publishing a series of limited edition zines. I think I have a good eye for visuals, so having my own mag with amazing creatives contributing to it would be a total dream.
New moodboard going up tomorrow! Tag someone who makes you think nasty thoughts!!
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Other projects you have in the works?
I have some spring '18-related fashion projects coming out, which I expect will be released early next year. One is with a great fashion brand, so I'm really excited for that.
Other Instagram accounts we should follow?
@wetheurban, @pietroboselli, @drawbertson, @ireneisgood, @sirjoancornella.
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For more of Portis Wasp's work, check out his website here.
