Body Art Painting and Photography
Andrea Peria
Looking at the work of Andrea Peria is like getting a glimpse into a world who’s inhabitants can become anything they want. Through the magic of body painting, the world of Andrea Peria is populated by a wild menagerie of magical creatures, exotic people and sensual fantasies. It’s as if surreal fairies, alien demons and fantasy princes come to him to have their picture taken.
What does the word “beauty” mean to you?
Everything is beautiful. To me nothing is ugly. We are surrounded by beauty and we only need to know how to value and appreciate it. The concept of ugliness is a stereotype imposed on us by those few who think they are in charge of the world and want us to be their slaves. They want to force us to all be alike.
What inspires you? What does it feel like for you to be inspired?
I am inspired by the reality that’s around me in the world in which I live. I am self-taught with little formal art education, but I have always been careful to observe everything around me. I observe without prejudice and try my best to make sure my photographs express my emotions. My inspiration comes from my desire to bring out the real beauty that exists in the subject. I strive to capture the details that make people different from one another – that thing that brings out beauty and makes me feel truly happy – makes me happy to be alive.
What’s your favorite thing about making art?
My favorite subject is the human body, whether clothed or nude, its details and diversity. In 2009 when I was introduced to the the world of body art painting, it was like meeting the love of my life. Bodypainting creates real works of art that last no longer than a day. Photography is the only evidence that makes these works indelible. It gives a soul to these works of art and is one of the most exciting things I have every done.
Could you tell us something about your the techniques or philosophies that you use to create your images?
I love double or triple exposures, blurring, soft focus. I like to experiment all the time. I don’t think I have a technique that distinguishes me because I like to look for the right technique for every situation. Normally what I do happens at the moment I press the shutter. I only use technology and graphics programs to create photographs where a special environment is called for that would be cost prohibitive for me to achieve otherwise. In these cases, I fall back on digital art merging multiple images.
What do you want people to experience when they look at your work?
I prefer to work with “normal” people because what I want the viewer to understand is that beauty is all around us and not in the stereotypes imposed on us by the media. I think if we could appreciate the diversity that distinguishes us from each other, we would be able to live much happier lives.
With a thoughtful and refined sensibility, Andrea Peria shows us what might be possible if you could use your imagination to change the shape and structures of your body, the color of your skin and even your clothing. He takes us on a journey, from beautiful bedrooms with gorgeous women, all the way to the far reaches of myth and fantasy.
You can see the rest of Andrea Peria’s Photography here at Model Society. 
