Beautiful

BeautifulMag #138 Week 21-22 | We Are One

EDITORS LETTER

The 1950’s were a time of rebuild in Europe. War-torn countries and their people were desperate for a future in which there would be no tension, no fighting, no wars. The European Broadcasting Union, based in Switzerland, decided to look for ways in the form of an entertainment program that could bring some unity and feelings of friendship. This concept eventually became a contest of songs, held for the first time on May 24 1956 under the name Eurovision Grand Prix, and broadcasted live and simultaneously in several European countries which, in this pre-satellite era, was quite an achievement already.

Yesterday evening a rough 125 million of people, not only in Europe but even far beyond its borders, enjoyed the 58th edition of the ambitious event. Obviously lots have changed since the beginning. After the political opening of the East, it has been decided that all countries located on the European continent are allowed to participate, not only those who are a member of the European Union. Where there were first 7 countries to participate, yesterday the contest event welcomes 39 countries in its competition. Which is still a few compared to the total of 51 countries that have at least participated once. Since the beginning the festival has been criticized for both musical content and political or geographic voting. And its true that sometimes the level of performance isn’t as high as one would expect, and that for years, and especially after the entry of many eastern European countries, there seems to be a very predictable voting system that includes friendly wink to neighboring countries. But at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter. The Eurovison provides every year for an evening of entertainment and an innocent platform where countries can vent their disagreements in song and music instead of political threats. Yesterday Swedish Malmö had the honor to host the event, after the country won the contest last year. Sweden is the festivals most successful participant with many top ten finalists and 5 victories, Abba’s Waterloo being the first on in 1974. This year it was Denmark who left eh contest a victor, bringing home the trophy for the 3rd time in the history of Denmark’s participation.

Though the shows are getting bigger every year, the Eurovision Song Contest really isn’t such a big deal. The ambition of a simultaneous live broadcasting has moved far to the background thanks to satellite connections, and with a few exceptions here and there, there really aren’t any political issues that need to be ironed out by a show of entertainment. But still the festival has a strong symbolic meaning, with the host country giving it a different theme each year. Much in the tradition of the Olympics, the Eurovision always stand in the light of unity and friendship, and for that reason alone it is still a wonderful initiative. This years theme was We Are One, visualized by colorful butterflies that introduced each country in its own colors but all came together in one united image. And even though the current song contest knows many adversaries, I believe that it still serves its purpose. One can only hope that it will continue doing what it does so well, and possibly grow into a world festival in which all nations can sing and dance and forget their differences. Even if it is only one time by year. –BM-

BEAUTIFULMAG | Everything That Is

BeautifulMag Cover Story | Villainy & Virtue

AFTER HE GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL, ALEX MINSKY ASKED HIMSELF THE QUESTION MANY YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN ASK. WHAT TO DO WITH THE REST OF HIS LIFE. ALEX WASN’T READY TO SETTLE DOWN. HE WAS IN SEARCH FOR ADVENTURE. AND SO HE SIGNED UP WITH THE US MARINE CORPS. A CHOICE THAT WOULD ALTER HIS LIFE PERMANENTLY.

Alex Minsky wanted adventure and he sure got it. After he joined the Marines he was sent to combat in Afghanistan. While on a midnight patrol there, Alex Minsky’s truck was hit by a homemade bomb. Alex was severely injured and soon realized that this was the beginning of his biggest adventure so far. Alex lost his leg and was told he would never be able to rejoin his men on the battlefield. Crushed by what happened to him Alex searched for comfort, which he found in alcohol. It went from bad to worse until events made him realize that he was on a self destructive path, and that wasn’t the adventure he had set out for. And so Alex fought and found the strength to come back.

Now, 24 yeas old, Alex Minsky is one of today’s most sought after male models. Martin Ryter, Michael Stokes, Eric Schwabel, Tom Cullis. They are some of the renowned photographers who already worked with the young veteran. And many are still lining up. Alex has learned to be positive and has come to realize his adventures have not ended yet. And that is how he arrived recently in the studio of Justin Monroe.

“This soldier is no joke,” Justin Monroe comments on his collaboration with Alex Minsky. “There are so many hot things about him. Studying his tattoos is like going to an amusement park. You want to follow everything line, color, and word until you have taken it all in. Just when you think your eyes have had enough, you are slapped in the face with his stacked body. Tattoos cover his entire body and he told me he was not going to stop until there was no skin left. I said “Alex, please do not tattoo your beautiful ass or face!” He just looked at me and laughed.” Villainy and Virtue is a song by Dead to Fall in which they pass judgment on fake people. “You pretend to be part of the flock and somehow you convinced us all that you are something you are not” is one of the phrases from the song. Alex Minsky is certainly not part of the flock. “He is one of the most unique individuals that I had the pleasure to have in front of my camera. There are so many things about Alex worth taking note of. He is a walking piece of art and a gay man’s wet dream. This 24 year old is a survivor. After surviving a terrible bombing incident in Iraq, where he lost his leg, he was in coma for 58 days and almost lost his life. He rebuilt his mind body and spirit from the ground up. Photographers everywhere are seeking him out and he is becoming the muse for many.”

Justin continues: “When he came to the shoot, he seemed a little shy but very eager. He was excited to see what madness I had in store for him. I told him that I was going to photograph him in a rhinestone skirt and jewels. He laughed and said, “Lets do it!” I get a sense that this boy likes to be crazy. I did not want to shoot him in the typical jock/athletic manner, which seems to be the current trend when it comes to Alex. He is much more than that and enjoys the creative process. The afternoon was very fun. His enthusiasm made time fly by. Not only was he extremely easy on the eyes, I feel like I made a new friend.” Alex Minsky went through hell and back and came out stronger. He learned to embrace life once again and that there are other adventures waiting for him. Not only is Alex a war hero. He is also a hero of life. –BM-

ALEX MINSKY | BEAUTIFULMAG
JUSTIN MONROE | BEAUTIFULMAG

BeautifulMag #137 Week 19-20 | The Greatness of Positive Thinking

EDITORS LETTER

I’ve always been interested by the notion of time and how it influences our lives. The result is that I love reading books about both sci-fi futures and real history. But not only do I feast on novels, it also triggers my own thinking. Since a few months now I am more focused on our past and how it was lived by those living it. Currently I’m indulging myself with the famed novel series The Accursed Kings written by Maurice Druon between 1955 and 1977. A series of 7 novels that tell the true but romanticized stories of the French kings that lived and ruled during the 14th century. The stories are really captivating and they teach us a lot about life and politics during the Middle Ages, which truly doesn’t differ that much from today.

In the second novel, a minister that goes by the name Enguerrand de Marigny gets executed. He was one of the most trusted advisors of Philip IV the Fair but didn’t survive the and court intrigues during the reign of Philip’s son Louis X. Marigny is described and known as one of the most brilliant politicians in the history of France. And that made me wonder. Though the political games didn’t change that much over the centuries, the stakes have. So if Marginy would have lived today, would he still have been such a brilliant player? In other words, what are the circumstances that makes one great. So great that he or she becomes a true historical personality?

Greatness comes in many degrees. Some strive for it. Make it their objective in their life. Not all succeed. And some never give it any thought but faith decides differently for them. Some people reach a form of greatness simply because of what they represent. They become an example for others. I believe that some people can become great by the actions they take. But I really think that true greatness lies in the fact of how some are dealt a bad hand by life, turn this around with strength and determination and make the best of it. The greatness of positive thinking. –BM-

BEAUTIFULMAG | Everything That Is

BeautifulMag Cover Story | Peter the Great

PETER THE GREAT RULED THE TSARDOM OF RUSSIA, AND LATER THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE, FROM 1682 UNTIL HIS DEATH IN 1725. PETER WAS 10 YEARS OLD WHEN HE ASCENDED TO THE THRONE AND 52 WHEN HE DIED, BUT IN THIS LIFESPAN HE WON MANY GLORIOUS BATTLES AND EXPANDED THE TSARDOM IN A HUGE EMPIRE THAT BECAME A MAJOR EUROPEAN POWER. PETER WAS THE FIRST OF RUSSIAN RULER TO EMBRACE WESTERN CULTURE AND LEFT SAINT PETERSBURG AS A PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF HIS POWER.

Measuring against todays values, it would be hard to say whether Peter I was the greatest of all Russian royal rulers, but his accomplishments certainly places him in the top ten. Not for nothing was he given the name Peter the Great and his name is often mentioned in a same importance as Tzarina Catherine II and Tsar Alexander II, named the Liberator. Though the foundation of Saint Petersburg is Peter I’s most visible accomplishment, it most certainly wasn’t his most important one. Peter the Great thanks his nickname mostly to the fact he increased the Russian military, enlarged Russian’s geological territory and established the Russian Empire as a strong political power in a Europe that was under constant threat of futile wars. He also reformed the country according to new and refreshing political and cultural ideas, often inspired by one of his voyages to Western countries such as England, France, Austria and The Netherlands. His reforms also an impact on the domestic political structures of Russia that has resonated through Russian history and can still be felt today.

But asides from all that, Peter the Great also had a very specific physical impact. Peter wasn’t an impressive man when it came to physical features if not for his height. He grew up to be 6 ft 8 (203 cm) tall and stood literally head and shoulders above his contemporaries both in Russia and throughout Europe. Peter I died in 1725 leaving behind a flourishing empire that would last until its fall in 1917 as a result of the Russian Revolution.

Today one doesn’t need to win strategic battles nor establish empires or found cities to be great. There are other ways to reach that status. Kindness and generosity for example. Physical presence and celebrity as well. Peter Picciano definitely has the potential. With is classic Roma features and ripped muscular body, Peter Picciano is the fitness model to keep your eye on. Currently residing in New York City, Peter originally comes from Florida. Indeed, the state where we can find that other St. Petersburg. During his brief time in new York Peter has already posed for renowned photographers such as Thomas Synnamon, Rick Day and Mike Ruiz. His night time job at famous NYC gay club Splash most certainly has increased his presence in New York’s scene and many casting agencies have been calling on him. Peter has been featured several times on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen. He also appeared on a recent episode of VH-!'s "The Jenny McCarthy" show as the "Sexy Leprechaun" with "Jersey Shore" stars, Snooki and J-Woww. Even the Canadians have taken notice. In Summer 2012, Peter was the US import for the competition, "Queer of the Year" in Montreal, Quebec.

Kevin D. Hoover, also a New York City resident, often names Thomas Synnamon, Justin Monroe, Mark Henderson, Michael Stokes, Scott Hoover and Rick Day as his contemporary idols. We think he is too modest by not simply placing his own name in that list of great photographers of todays’ male physique. Always on the look out for models who exude masculinity and can step out on the edge, it is no surprise Kevin eventually came to a collaboration with the handsome Peter Picciano: “Peter is amazing. He's sweet, funny, charming and kind. This makes him even more attractive. And more attractive to work with. Yes, he exudes sex appeal.” Of course it is easy to say that a model has sex appeal  and great physical presence. It’s part of the job. But Peter Picciano has more than that. He has an infectious playful side as well as a smouldering intensity that really makes him stand out. And it are those qualities that lift him to greatness. That makes Peter Picciano today’s Peter the Great. –BM-

PETER PICCIANO | BEAUTIFULMAG
KEVIN D. HOOVER | BEAUTIFULMAG

BeautifulMag #136 Week 17-18 | History Books of the Future

EDITORS LETTER

I don’t know about you but I sometimes feel I’m living in an insignificant time. A time in which nothing of great importance happens. Looking back at the time gone by we can identify certain events and persons that played a significant role in our history. The 20th century knew the arrival of big inventions such as radio and television. Historical events like the two World Wars. The fall and rise of nations all over Europe. And great human accomplishments such as the landing on the moon. It seems like not so long ago we were still pioneering into unknown territories. But than I remind myself that all these events and achievements only seem to great because it is what passed the test of time and we didn’t really experienced them at first hand.

All through our history many people made impact. Scientist, entertainers and rules. The interesting thing is that we also developed and educated ourselves more and more which makes you wonder that if those great people from the past lived today, would they still be of such consequence. And moving fast forward, sometimes I wonder what people will remember of us, say 1 or 2 centuries from now. What will our future look like? Will we have ventured further in space, possibly found a way to colonize other planets and meet other forms of intelligence? And if so, will we look back at our old home planet with feelings of nostalgia and smile at how good we thought we were in the 21st century by how primitive and meaningless compared to our advanced lives in 2300? Or will there actually be a major catastrophe that will throw our civilization back in evolution and we will forget all about our modern lives, possibly only remember it as a mythical legend much like Atlantis?

We can’t know what the future brings and since none of us will live to tell we might as well focus on what we have now. History only becomes history after the act has been done. Much like me writing this is already history by the time you read it, though most likely not of any significance. Because of that we don’t realize the important things we experience in our lifetime. The digital revolution is probably one of the most important events. Or our ability to build tower that rise high up in the sky. Or our disability to solve international disputes and meaningless religious disagreements.  And this week my mother country will see the rise of a new King after 4 generations of Queens. Those are but a few things that will make it in the history books of the future. It’s impressive, I know. But still when I look outside of my window to the impressive 19th century Parisian architecture, I can’t help wondering, what will we leave behind worth mentioning, and what will my window view look like 200 years from now. –BM-

BEAUTIFULMAG | Everything Is Beautiful

BeautifulMag Cover Story | Dante's Division of Hell and Limbo

DANTE ALIGHIERI FOUND HIMSELF LOST IN A DARK WOOD IN FRONT OF A MOUNTAIN, VIGOROUSLY UNDER ATTACK BY THREE BEASTS: A LION, A LEOPARD AND A SHE-WOLF. UNABLE TO FIND THE STRAIGHT WAY TO SALVATION, DANTE IS CONSCIOUS HE IS RUINING HIMSELF AND FALLS INTO THE DEEP SPACE WHERE THE SUN IS SILENT. AT LAST RESCUED BY THE ROMAN POET VIRGIL, THE TWO OF THEM BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY THROUGH THE UNDERWORLD, WHICH EVENTUALLY BRINGS THEM TO THE GATE OF HELL. IT IS THE DAY BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY IN THE YEAR 1300.

Limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery. These are the nine circles of Hell. And this is the path Dante is destined to follow after Virgil leads him through the gate of Hell and the vestibule where the Uncommitted reside. Dante and Virgil join Charon on his ferryboat, crossing the river Acheron to Hell proper, but there is no recollection of this journey as Dante, being the only living being ever to make this voyage, was unconscious during the passage and does not wake up until they reach the other side. Once arrived, Dante and his guide find themselves at the bottom of Purgatorio, the mount that consists of concentric circles of sin that leads to the final terrace, which is the Eartly Paradise. Surrounded by the wailing and blasphemy of the damned souls, Dante starts his slow and painful climb through sin towards forgiveness.

The Divine Comedy, also known as Dante’s Division of Hell and Limbo is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and 1321, the year of his death. Considered to be one of world’s greatest pieces of literature, the poem offers an imaginative and allegorical vision of afterlife, describing the poet’s journey through Hell (Inferno), Purgatory (Purgatorio), and Heaven (Paradiso), or the soul’s journey towards God. The full Comedy is composed out of 14,233 lines, but visual artist Damian Siqueiros was able to create a photographic representation of the story in a much more simplified way. Damian’s version of Dante’s Division of Hell and Limbo consists out of 13 spectacular photographs, portraying three warriors going through the different circles. The series is loosely inspired by the famous tale, but nevertheless as breathtaking as the epic story itself.

Even though it has been quiet some time since Damian Siqueiros appeared on BeautifulMag, one glance at these images brings you straight back to his earlier collaborations. Damian’s work stands out not only in the aesthetic beauty of his compositions, but also in the strong intellectual content. Damian creates visual stories as well as one of portraits. But no matter what, each image cconstitutes the aestheticized shaping of a struggle that is at the same time intimate and social. With his photography, Damian Siqueiros tries to provoke a dialogue between the art and the observer, asking us to question our own identities and behaviors.

Damian Siqueiros calls hismef a photographer and visual artist and a citizen of the world, amazed by a diversity of culture, thought and art. Damian was born in the North-West of Mexico, lived and studied in Paris and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. It is there where he envisions his art with his mission to incorporate a sense of social conscience that betters our life and our social environment in everything he creates. “I'm interested on how the identities of people evolve and how they perform on their environment,” Damian explains. “The point is not to judge these boundaries or structures, which are often disguised as tradition or morality, but the intent is to make the public have conscience of them. Within the topic of identity, and in general in my work, gender equality and gender diversity are especially meaningful.”

Damian Siqueiros moved to Canada a few years ago, after having finished his studies in Paris. Since then his career has seen many milestones. Damian has collaborated with international publications and amazing clients, such as Vogue Mexico, Elle, Esquire, Porrua and Les Grands ballets Canadiens of Montreal. His work has already brought his numerous grants and prizes, such as the Public’s choice Scotia Bank Prize 2010 in Montreal's Art Souterrain and his photography has been exhibited in museum and galleries in Mexico, Spain, Paris, New York (The Gabarron Foundation), Washington D.C. (Art Museum of the Americas), and Canada. Damian is a busy man and his future shines bright, continuing with some of my beloved collaborations with dance companies such as Cas Public and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens of Montreal. Needelss to say, BeautifulMag is proud to see Damian returning to its digital pages with his vision of Dante’s Divison of Hell and Limbo, especially shot for this edition. –BM-

BeautifulMag archive for Damian Siqueiros: Damian Siqueiros' Love and the Chronicles of Desire, a unique collaboration between Damian Siqueiros and BeautifulMag following the successful The Prophecy in October 2008:

• BeautifulMag HS | Chronicles of Desire
• Chronicles of Desire: Prologue | Chronos and the Gratiae
• 1st Chronicle of Desire | Oh Fortuna, Knights of Fortune
• 2nd Chronicle of Desire | The Prince and the Swan
• 3th Chronicle of Desire | The Cardinal and the Ephebe
• 4th Chronicle of Desire | The King and the Sculpture
• 5th Chronicle of Desire | The Trial of the Hetaeros
• Final Chronicle of Desire | Vanitas
• Chronicles of Desire | The Making Of

DAMIAN SIQUEIROS | BEAUTIFULMAG

BeautifulMag #135 Week 15-16 | Paradise

EDITOR'S LETTER

The other day I met an old friend whom I hadn’t seen in quiet some time. We decided to have a drink together and catch up. It was nice, really. We had so much to say to each other. The funny thing is that our relationship started very differently. He first was just a colleague that I had not much of a relation with. Then I became his boss and eventually we became friends. Meeting him again made me think about other friends that I haven’t seen for long and how me met.

It is interesting to take a trip down to memory lane and observe how friendships have come and gone. You make friends at school or in adolescence and if you are lucky one or two of them will stay with you for a long time. In my case I lost them all due to the fact I moved to different cities and eventually abroad. Still some of those old friendships turn out stronger than you first thought. These days, thanks to social media, it is easy and fun to find back people you thought were lost to you. And sometimes it can bring you happy surprises. A friend that drifted away due to misunderstandings can just knock on your digital wall and you start chatting like nothing ever happened. That old boyfriend from who you separated in a bitter way all of a sudden becomes the friend he used to be so long ago and you find out the new interests and – yes – relationships that keeps him busy.

Asides from the friendships we made in our earlier years, we also met a lot of interesting people with our work on BeautifulMag. And some of them have become friends. Since we are working on such a global scale, many of them live very far away, and the friendship is pure digital. But some actually became more personal friends. Our digital time that includes social networks and email has given friendship a new meaning. No longer do we need to hang out with people on a regular base. No matter where we are, a friend is now only a click away. And sometimes, even if you haven’t spoken for months or even years, you can pick it up where you left up as easy as that. This edition we reintroduce you to the wonderful artist Damian Siqueiros. We met Damian when he lived in Paris but since then he moved to Canada and we more or less lost contact. But recently we reestablished that and I couldn’t be more happier, as Damian is not only a great photographer and visionary, he is also a kind and generous man who never ceases to surprise. He created for us his vision of Dante’s Division of Hell and Limbo, the imaginary journey of Dante through the 7 circles of hell towards Paradise. And that made me think. We all take this trip one way or the other, and more often than not we take it alone. But when we come out of it, we look around and see friends are waiting for us and some of them have been with us even though we couldn’t see it at that time. I think that is paradise. –BM-

BEAUTIFULMAG | Everything That Is