Anthony Goicolea

Bio

Anthony Goicolea, born in Atlanta, GA in 1971, is a prominent artist based in Brooklyn, NY, whose evocative works invite viewers to explore complex themes of identity, androgyny, and sexuality through the lens of childhood. A graduate of the University of Georgia where he studied painting, photography, and sculpture, Goicolea further honed his artistic vision with an MFA in Fine Arts from the Pratt Institute. Since his debut in 1999, Goicolea has captivated audiences with his striking photography, displaying his work at esteemed venues such as Postmasters Gallery in New York and Aurel Scheibler in Berlin. In recognition of his innovative approach to visual storytelling, he received the prestigious BMW-Award for Photography in 2005. His photography often features intricately staged tableaux that depict “pre- to barely pubescent boys” (Art in America, December 2001) dressed in traditional private school uniforms. These scenes, rich with both playful and transgressive undertones, challenge conventional narratives of childhood and sexuality. Remarkably, Goicolea embodies each of his youthful subjects, employing costumes, wigs, makeup, and sophisticated digital editing to transform himself into these figures, thus creating complex large-scale self-portraits that resonate with themes of youthful innocence and emerging desire. As noted by The (August 14, 2001), he consistently presents an uncanny likeness to a boy on the cusp of puberty. Drawing inspiration from pioneering fine-art photographer Cindy Sherman, Goicolea's work navigates similar territories of self-portraiture and sexually charged narratives. The two artists have shared several joint exhibitions, reflecting their mutual exploration of identity and representation. Furthermore, Goicolea’s artistry resonates alongside contemporaries such as Bernard Faucon, Loretta Lux, and Justine Kurland, who also manipulate and stage the portrayal of children and adolescents. In recent years, Goicolea has expanded his practice to include drawing, continuing to explore the same compelling subject matter that characterizes his photography. His artistic journey has led to the publication of two books with Twin Palms—featuring both photography and drawings—and exhibitions in renowned museums and galleries worldwide, solidifying his place as a significant voice in contemporary art.