Meet DrawMeDenis: the Gay Artist Drawing Sexy Sun-Drenched Scenes

Though we may complain about social media for many valid reasons, the reality is that it also allows for a hell of a lot of connection. To independent fashion brands, international artists, and even just hilarious comedians. And while they do have to contend with inconsistent and often sex-negative community guidelines as well as ever-changing algorithms, social media can help them eke out a presence.

Denis Sdobnov, better known as DrawMeDenis, is an artist many have come to know through Instagram. His work, often featuring men on beaches or in bedrooms, is regularly shared by fans on the platform either by way of prints or beach towels. Here, we talk to Sdobnov about his work.

Meet DrawMeDenis

DrawMeDenis was born and raised in a traditional Russian Orthodox family in a small town not far from Moscow. A largely self-taught artist, he struggled with self-identity growing up. Now living in Shanghai, Denis is known for his art portraying LGBTQ+ scenes, often basing characters off of actual LGBTQ+ individuals. In the past he's showcased his work in a solo exhibition called "Mid-Summer," and has collaborated with the likes of Modus Vivendi. His work is also available on Society6.

When did you begin to create art? Did you study art?

I never studied art. I have my master degree in politics and worked as a fashion photographer in Russia, but I started to draw only when I moved here to Shanghai. My first real artistic creation happened 4 years ago. I was urgent to express my burning love for my new crush and randomly started outlining someone who I thought was the love of my life on the screen, with a mobile phone, an app, and two fingers. Although he was not impressed by the drawing, I have found the solace and tranquility of my inner world through such creative and cathartic process. I think it is the most romantic and intimate way to express my feelings and thoughts to someone that I care about.

How did you develop and what influences your style?

Moving to Shanghai and practicing art has gradually become the launchpad for my slow but glittering process of self-acceptance and reconciliation. Here in Shanghai, I feel empowered by the extremely supportive and talented queer artist community, which endowed me with the strength to follow my heart and instinct and become more visually and vocally self-expressive.

Do you think about representation when it comes to creating work and if so how does this come into play?

My art is all about representation. As soon as I realized that my art was the main force of me accepting my identity I decided that it must be be my aim to spread love, to help others feel seen, to tell stories of many in queer community. As an artist I need to give support, empowering other queer people in struggle and agony, and unreservedly celebrate difference and diversity.

What role does sexuality play in your art and how do you think it's impacted your trajectory?

Sexuality is a base of my art. Although my works never display any absolutely obscene imagery, I tend to create something that can be seen as more provocative and "risqué." Sexuality inspires, and though I take inspiration from everywhere from porn to biblical texts, recently, I have been making efforts to accurately capture some frivolous but beautiful moments in my life, and transcribe them into my art.

How important is social media to your art either in inspiration or in developing an audience/customers?

Here I could complain a lot about strict rules and always changing algorithms of Instagram, but social media helped me a lot to create a platform to be seen as an artist and to create a lovely community of loving and supportive people. My followers and the people I follow inspire me a lot and they are one of the reasons I started to feel secure about myself and my skills.