A new exhibition celebrating identity, transformation and self-expression is coming to Brighton this month, bringing together the work of Sussex-based artistic duo Dan Flores and Sergio Rodriguez.
Personae, which opens at Atelier by the Sea on 11 September, combines figurative painting and photography in a collaborative exploration of the people and personalities that shape everyday life.
Named after the Latin word for the masks worn by actors in ancient theatre, Personae examines the identities people present to the world and the stories that lie beneath the surface.
The exhibition brings together Rodriguez's portrait and street photography with Flores' atmospheric paintings, many of which are inspired by photographic observations and transformed through a more imaginative, painterly lens.
The pair say the collection is united by a shared fascination with people and the different ways identity can be expressed.
Among the subjects featured are tattooed bikers, strongmen, drag performers and members of Brighton's LGBTQ+ community, alongside friends, acquaintances and people encountered throughout the artists' lives.
Some of the portraits are deeply personal, while others capture fleeting moments and chance encounters, turning ordinary experiences into works of art.
One of the exhibition's centrepieces is a new painted portrait of Rob Makin, who is known to television audiences from Channel 4's Handcuffed. The artwork will be displayed alongside a series of photographs taken during the sitting, offering visitors an insight into the creative process behind the finished painting.
The accompanying photographic collection also includes a series of full-length nude portraits exploring themes of vulnerability, trust and body confidence.
Alongside original paintings, the exhibition will feature Rodriguez's portraiture and street photography, including images captured during Brighton Pride celebrations. A selection of limited-edition prints and photographs will also be available to purchase, with organisers aiming to appeal to both first-time buyers and established collectors.
Flores, a multidisciplinary artist whose background includes hair, make-up, styling and set design, is known for work exploring identity, performance and transformation through figurative painting.
Rodriguez's photography focuses on portraiture and street scenes, often working in black and white to document moments of connection, individuality and everyday humanity.
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