FRITZ
VON ERIC
Through the power of the internet, we met Fritz Von Eric (b. 1991, Houston / New York, NY) on Instagram, initially connecting virtually and eventually meeting in person in Soho during a trip to New York City in the fall of 2022.
Our shared interests in big city living, with roots in Southern upbringings, and a passion for lifestyle fashion, interiors, photography, and art, led to an intriguing discovery: Fritz's otherworldly illustrations of portraiture.
Photography by: Marcus Riggs
Words by: PRINCE Magazine
Artwork by: Fritz Von Eric, Website, Instagram
Von Eric’s work delves into the complex aspects of Black identity, femme empowerment, queer sexuality, and intimacy, all depicted through his playful and sometimes daunting figures. His distinct style emerges reflecting his unique outlook on life. Drawing inspiration from Black Southern folk art and neo-expressionism, his work often teeters on the edge of the absurd and occasionally ventures into the surreal.
While Fritz Von Eric is primarily a digital artist, his creative process is not limited to the digital realm. He employs a mixed-media approach, incorporating materials such as acrylic, charcoal, and graphite. This blend of traditional and digital techniques allows him to explore and express the multifaceted dimensions of his themes more profoundly.
Von Eric’s art is a visual exploration of identity and existence, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. His figures, both whimsical and thought-provoking, invite viewers to engage with the complexities of race, gender, and sexuality in contemporary society. Each piece is a narrative that encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of these layered identities.
Meeting Fritz Von Eric and experiencing his art firsthand was a revelation. His illustrations are not just portraits; they are windows into other worlds, offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between humor and darkness, the familiar and the surreal. Through his work, Von Eric continues to make significant contributions to contemporary art, capturing the essence of human experience with an innovative and bold approach.