Interview With Artist Arthur Petrillo
Congratulations to Arthur Petrillo for earning his place as a Finalist in the Boynes Artist Award 11th Edition!
Who are you?
I am a photographer, art director, and designer, and I am a nonbinary person. I’ve started to develop my perspective on everyday photography over the last 12 years. After a series of mental health crisis episodes and going through my gender discovery journey, I found in photography a place of mindfulness where I can focus on the present and cope with the challenges of being a trans person. I am inspired to tell stories of identity, diversity, loneliness, and overcoming, finding beauty, uniqueness, and identification in what I see. As a passionate fan of Leica, I constantly carry cameras as a relief from the hurdles of modern life.
“Captured Creativity”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
What inspired you to utilize photography as a medium?
Photography became my expression when the world seemed too harsh and sometimes unwelcoming for me. As a nonbinary Latino-American person with ADHD, the streets mirror my complexity—raw, vibrant, insecure, and full of untold stories. Through my lens, I celebrate overlooked identities, capturing humanity’s beauty in its authenticity.
“My Home State”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
How would you describe your work?
Light and shadow are more than tools; they are collaborators in conveying mood and meaning, drawing out the subtleties of each subject. My art asserts presence, celebrates difference, and transforms the genre of street photography into an act of advocacy, capturing the beauty, dignity, and complexity of diverse lives and inviting viewers to connect, reflect, and ultimately embrace the diversity of the human experience.
“My Home State 2”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your finalist work?
This photograph was taken in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. I live in London and was visiting my family to celebrate my father's 70 years and my 40s. While talking to my father about the eye of a photographer, I pointed to the top of the hill during the golden hour and said that it would be a fantastic image if someone showed up, as the light was perfect for a delightful silhouette. In seconds, a child appeared dancing and gifted us during our celebration. It was one of those moments when photography played its role in brightening our lives.
“The Birthday Celebration Dance”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?
I strive to help people rediscover the grace and authenticity that feel buried beneath the chaos of modern life—a reminder of the raw beauty and humanity we all carry but have forgotten to see.
“Lucha Libre Identity 1”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?
Never grow complacent with your latest work, yet resist the urge to let the pressure of constant creation overshadow the magic of serendipity in photography. True artistry lies in balancing relentless growth with the spontaneity that makes each image meaningful.
“Lucha Libre Identity 2”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?
My greatest success isn’t in the accolades or the applause—it’s in the quiet, meaningful connections with the people I photograph. Once, I captured a fleeting moment in Brazil: a nanny and her grandson standing by a window, framed by the beauty of the place. Somehow, they found me, overjoyed by the image I had preserved. That simple photo held their story, their bond, and their joy. Now, my dream is coming true—I’ll be sending them a print of that moment, ensuring it lives on as a tangible piece of their lives. To me, this is what photography is all about: making the ephemeral eternal.
“Lucha Libre Identity 3”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
Can you give us the best piece of advice you have ever heard/received?
Style emerges naturally through consistent creation; it can’t be forced. It’s the rhythm of your work, shaped by the authenticity of repetition and the flow of your vision.
“The Palette Of Colombia 2”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
As a finalist, do you have any advice for artists who want to apply for awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?
When you create from the heart, letting it guide your expression, success becomes inevitable—your own unique success, not anyone else’s. Remember, success isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s yours to define. Choose spaces that resonate with your vision, where your work can truly shine, and the rewards will follow naturally.
“The Palette Of Colombia 3”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?
I’m curating my recent photos from Colombia and a vibrant Lucha Libre event for an exhibition showcasing my perspective on the bond between Latin American sister countries. As a Brazilian, it’s incredibly inspiring to explore and learn from the rich stories and cultures of our region—it’s a journey that fuels my creativity and deepens my connection to our shared identity.
“The Palette Of Colombia 4”
Photography
By Arthur Petrillo
What is your dream project or piece that you hope to accomplish?
I dream of spending a month traveling across Latin America, capturing the essence of everyday life and the vibrancy of folklore celebrations through the lens of a nonbinary storyteller. I’m eager to explore how my identity resonates with others, documenting their reactions and interactions to create a powerful narrative of connection, diversity, and authenticity.
“The Transient Nature Of Urban Existence”
Acrylic on Linen
By Karri McPherson
Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?
Art isn’t confined to galleries; it’s woven into everyday life. It’s in the moments we capture, the feelings we express, and the world we observe. Creativity thrives when we embrace it as a daily practice.
To view more of Arthur Petrillo