As Henry Giardina reported for Queerty, New York City-based artist Cody Gene has discovered a highly effective method for getting his work in front of the masses. By combining his talent for expressive, 90s-inspired downtown aesthetics with unapologetic social media vlogs, he is successfully capturing the internet’s attention.
While his content frequently highlights his impressive physique and humorous day-in-the-life updates, Gene uses that viral visibility to champion traditional human artistry. He actively speaks out against the threat of soulless, machine-generated images, advocating instead for the messy, vibrant reality of expressive painting. His unique approach has already landed his work on television and secured high-profile commissions, including a Madonna portrait for Grindr.
Finding an audience as an independent creator requires standing out, and Gene proves that blending digital savvy with authentic creative passion is a winning formula. His rising profile serves as a reminder that personality and the human touch still resonate in a heavily automated digital landscape.
Read the full story and see more of Gene’s artistic process at the original article: https://www.queerty.com/this-very-ripped-queer-nyc-painter-is-making-some-very-cheeky-choices-we-love-to-see-it-20260709/
