Raúl de Nieves is a multimedia artist, performer, and musician, whose wide-ranging practice investigates notions of beauty and transformation. De Nieves’ visual symbolism draws on both classical Catholic and Mexican vernacular motifs to create his own unique mythology. Through processes of accumulation and adornment, the artist transforms readily available materials into spectacular objects, which he then integrates into immersive narrative environments.

Beads and other humble materials are transformed into dazzling and exuberant figurative sculptures that reflect his Mexican heritage and roots in queer club culture. For this work, de Nieves presents a bedazzled, encrusted horse that references a costume worn by musicians to express alter egos or stage personas. This transformation shows a fanciful and magical performer in repose, who has extended their hand with a large diamond prize, like a treat.

These shimmering effigies have inspired the similarly ornate costumes De Nieves wears for his performances. De Nieves’s joyful beings serve as vessels for explorations of themes such as sexuality, shapeshifting, and transcendence.