Central to much of his work is frank depictions of gay sex. Strzelecki’s work references past traditions of depiction in which the nude human form (in his work, of men) was exalted, and expansive forms of sexuality were celebrated. However, his subject matter is contemporary, interrogating modern manifestations of cruising. Cruising has ostensibly happened forever, yet the internet changed everything. Strzelecki’s work resuscitates naturalistic depictions of the act and presents an idyll for his cruising participants. Regarding how people respond to his depictions of sex, he mentions his intrigue in learning at what stage viewers are either interested or repelled.
Strzelecki’s work is dense. Densely textured carvings and paintings decorate his intriguing ceramic forms. His vases are orthogonal and require an attentive walk-around exploration to view in full; an action he sees as akin to cruising itself. In our rigorous conversation, the artist reveals the how and why of his practice. Having just finished an exhibition, Summer Scenes, with the Taymour Grahne gallery in London, he has a lot to unpack in this interview.