I'm Sometimes Confused What Is My Star Quality (2022) Drawing by Anton Terziev

Anton Terziev’s pencil drawing *I’m Sometimes Confused What Is My Star Quality* deftly merges eroticism with a hint of pop-culture iconography, capturing a moment that is at once intimate and theatrical. From an art historian’s perspective, the piece offers several compelling points of discussion: the tradition of erotic representation in Western art, the significance of star imagery as a marker of both celebrity and aspiration, and the role of technique in conveying texture, depth, and atmosphere.
The depiction of the human body—particularly sensual or eroticized forms—has a long history, stretching back to the Venus figurines of the Paleolithic era, continuing through Renaissance masterpieces like Titian’s and Giorgione’s reclining nudes, and finding more contemporary expressions in works by Egon Schiele or the Pop-inflected explorations of Tom Wesselmann. Terziev’s drawing stands within this lineage by positioning the body as the focal subject, using a direct, unidealized viewpoint that invites both introspection and voyeuristic curiosity.
The close-cropped framing draws the viewer’s eye immediately to the subject’s lower torso, emphasizing texture, curve, and the geometry of the fishnet pattern. The star motifs—emblazoned on the garment—function not merely as decorative elements but as suggestive symbols of performance, fame, and self-conscious display. Stars are also a universal emblem of aspiration or “star quality,” hinting at questions about personal identity and what it means to be “special” in a world fixated on celebrity.
- The symmetrical positioning of the stars across the garment evokes pop iconography, reminiscent of rock-stage costumes or burlesque references.
- The angled lines and shimmering details converge at a central point, visually reinforcing the drawing’s emphasis on the subject’s body as a site of power, sexuality, and perhaps self-reflection.
Terziev’s command of pencil shading is especially notable. The soft gradations capture the tactile nature of skin, while the intricate cross-hatching and stippling bring out the fishnet pattern. These technical choices create a strong contrast between flesh and fabric, highlighting the interplay between concealment and revelation. The layering of pencil strokes suggests depth and weight, drawing attention to the sculptural qualities of the human form.
- The transitions between dark and light, especially around the garment’s edges, provide visual tension.
- The subtle tonal variations in the fishnet area help convey the stretched quality of the material, lending a sense of realism to the composition.
Beneath its sensuous surface, the work alludes to themes of self-awareness, identity, and the commercialization of sexuality. The piece’s title—*I’m Sometimes Confused What Is My Star Quality*—introduces a note of introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate whether the “star” aspect is literal, performative, or metaphorical.
- This internal confusion speaks to a broader, contemporary discourse on body image, public persona, and private self.
- The presence of the stars can be read as both a nod to pop culture’s glamorization of the body and an ironic commentary on the anxiety of self-promotion.
While Anton Terziev’s work spans various mediums and themes, he often tackles subjects of identity, existential questioning, and cultural symbolism. This drawing fits within a broader creative exploration of how societal pressures, personal aspirations, and physical embodiment intersect. The erotic charge in this piece becomes a means to explore deeper questions about how individuals navigate their desires and the gaze of others.
In *I’m Sometimes Confused What Is My Star Quality*, Terziev presents a carefully rendered pencil drawing that melds the intimate with the iconic. Through meticulous technique and a tightly cropped composition, he foregrounds the human form as both subject and symbol—an arena where personal identity, societal expectations, and a touch of spectacle converge. The work invites viewers to examine the layered dynamics of desire, fame, and self-worth, situating it firmly within the continuum of modern erotic art while simultaneously raising questions about how we perform our “star quality” in everyday life.


Part of No Time For Losers series of paintings, drawings, object and photography (2019-)
photo material used: Maria Kanellis-Bennett image. She is an American professional wrestler, professional wrestling manager, actress, model and former singer

Related themes

Female NudesEroticNeoexpressoinismAnton TerzievContemporary Kunst