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The Mythic Dungeon of Picture Rocks
Niles Arington (1953–2021) spent his life building a private world at the margins of visibility. A self-taught painter, leatherworker, and BDSM practitioner, Arington’s work was deeply rooted in male desire, fantasy, domination, and devotion.
Made mostly during his final decade, these paintings pull from BDSM culture, religious iconography, and folklore. Muscular nudes, devils, masters, and submissives populate scenes that move wildly between tenderness, power, humor, and menace. The work resists easy labels. It is outsider art, queer vernacular expression, and a personal archive.
Arington hung these pieces throughout his home in Picture Rocks, Arizona, where they lived in a world of his own making. This exhibition is the first public presentation of Arington’s work. Alongside the paintings, the gallery features objects recovered from his dungeon, archival materials, and an immersive labyrinth for those brave enough to enter. Together, these elements recreate the mythic dungeon — both the birthplace and subject of Arlington’s work.
Curated by Chris Duce and Graham Downing. Presented at Free Associates, Tucson, Arizona, Opening on June 6, 2026 from 5-9pm.
Event Links
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/3651828-0
