Arnold Barretto
Student, Plattsburgh
Nude
Arnold Barretto is a creative mind from Plattsburgh, New York. Arnold is a student, and yet he has found many different ways to express his creativity. Between photography and graphic design, he started a publication called The Choreographed Zine, whose first issue is available now. After noticing "Drag Queen" in his bio, we discovered yet another way for him to do what he does best; telling stories, his own, or someone else’s.
You mentioned that nudes are up your alley. Would you care to elaborate your proclivity to nudity?
I’ve always had a fascination with the male nude form. I’m still discovering where that comes from. I love the trust that a model place in me and their willingness to become so physically and sometimes emotionally vulnerable for the sake of art.
What is nudity to you, whether emotionally, physically, or beyond?
Nudity is everything. It’s comforting, it’s empowering, it’s bold, it can be sensual and it can also be sexual.
Are you the subject in the shoot? Or were you shooting someone?
I’m only in the first image (reflection). The rest is a model I shoot with regularly. You can find him on Instagram @kevrms.
We noticed Drag Queen in your bio. Would you care to compare and contrast the process/feelings/artistry of doing drag to shedding inhibitions/clothing regarding nudity?
For me they are all different ways that I express myself as an artist. Doing drag helps me tell a story that I have crafted within a 3-4 min song. I often use photography to tell someone else’s story in a single shot. Both nudity and drag have a sense of vulnerability to it despite being drastically different.
Your idea of happiness?
A good album.
Your idea of misery?
The loss of love.
If not yourself, who would you be?
I really don’t know, I like myself.
Your heroes?
My parents.
What is your present state of mind?
Chaotic.
Bedside table books?
I don’t read as often as I should.
What do you do if you can’t sleep at night?
Watch drag queens or late night hosts on youtube.
What is the best dish you can cook?
Butter Chicken.
What is your middle name?
Don’t have one.
What do you do in your free time?
Listen to music.
What inspires you?
People who are passionate.
What do you do for money?
Work on campus.
What do you do for pleasure?
Perform in Drag, make art and watch movies.
Do you collect?
Yes, money from around the world, keychains, and art that I’ve exchanged with peers.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee everyday unless I’m sick.
What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?
People get pregnant from kissing.
A color?
Red.
A city?
NYC it’s where I hope to move to when I graduate.
What are your plans for this weekend?
Make some art.
A song?
Lost it All - Birdy.
Right or left handed?
Right.
