ALICIA RIHKO

ILLUSTRATION | SPAIN | she/HER

HOUSE OF THEODORA CHATS TO EROTIC ARTIST ALICIA RIHKO

We're not sure if it's the bold pink radiating from the page or how she creates a warmth from her compositions that makes you want to dive into her erotic scenes; maybe it's both. But illustrator Alicia Rihko has developed an unmistakable style of erotic art. We asked Alicia about her creative process, inspiration and the confident women she paints.

Can you share your background and how you came to be an artist in this space?

I didn’t know what to study when I was younger cause I loved so many things like dancing, photography, and illustration. I started studying Fashion Design only because I wanted to learn how to draw clothes and loved that particular style of drawing fashion. Eventually, a couple of years later, I started to draw (I was always drawing when I was little) and share my work on IG, people began to see my work, and I decided to open an online store. I don’t regret it, even though it is not easy. This is what I want to do.

Can you tell us how you go about creating your art?

I usually start to draw some rough sketches on the iPad (the best investment I’ve made so far) cause I used to draw with a graphic tablet that only worked with a computer, but my back was broken most of the time. Now I can draw if I’m resting, outdoors, everywhere. I like to draw a digital version for the prints and then the original on paper.

What are your favourite colours to work with and why?

I don’t know why I chose pink, but it’s a big contrast with black. When mixed with black, it feels intimate and sexy. It wasn’t my favourite until I started to develop my style of erotic art. I bought a pink sofa; I love it, it brings me so much joy.

Who and what inspires you?

Personally, I’m inspired by friends who’ve reached their goals, the people who evolve. On a professional level, I’m inspired by movies, photography, music, and books. Sometimes just a sentence can create a whole composition.

Who are the people you paint?

Independent women, I believe. They are women who embrace their sexuality, with strong personalities who don’t compare themselves to anyone. It’s ok to feel ugly, insecure, and not be proud of some parts of who you are, but it’s not a place to live—so women who mind their business and don’t give a f**k at the end.

What would we hear, see, and smell if we were a cicada on the wall and watched you in your artistic element?

You will probably smell a bit of Palo Santo. I use it almost every three days. You’ll see a dinner plate I use to mix paint (I’ve always done it) and a box with all the brushes. You’ll hear some vinyls of Little Richard, Ludovico Einaudi, Elvis, or a new song that’s out there on replay.

What challenges do you face as an artist pushing boundaries?

Because it’s erotic art, I think it’s not really considered art (I’ve felt it’s not respected at times) but probably dealing with people wanting me to only draw for a heterosexual audience. When it comes to sharing your work, it can be censored or not, depending on what you’re illustrating. That’s my biggest concern. I lost my main account @aliciarihko because of the reports Instagram received. You can’t create if you’re afraid it will be censored or if they threaten you with deleting your account.

What do you find most rewarding or joyful about life in the arts?

I love people’s reactions. I love the idea they can have a piece of what I do hanging at their house.

We're hellbent on elevating sexual expression. What does freedom of sexual expression look like to you?

Love who you want, do what you want with your body, and live as you want. It is simply a basic right, as the sexual human beings that we are, and we should all enjoy our freedom equally no matter what. I don’t think we’ve achieved it as a society but we can’t try to control people. You just have to respect others but that’s another story. There are times when all you can do is educate yourself.

Life as an artist can be challenging. What are your favourite daily or weekly activities that allow you to take care of yourself and have fun?

I like being outdoors as much as I can and taking photos. Honestly, I love street photography and portraits and just chilling with my two cats.

If you could invite any five people to dinner (living or past), who would they be?

Quentin Tarantino for the inspo, Elvis for the music, Baz Lurhman for the creativity, Helmut Newton for the pics, and Tom of Finland for the art.

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