Of Kink and The Erotic

Music | Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

And now I can relax again. First Thursday opening was very nice with a good crowd and many surprising faces. I know for a lot of people, there is a hesitancy to come to my recent exhibitions because of the perceived content and the sexual nature of the venue. It really sucks that desires are often altered because of fear.

On the other hand, I really applaud the people that had the courage to come to a place that for many is taboo. And then there is the obvious that people didn’t show up because they have no interest... :-)

In any event, I had a very nice time visiting and being with great company. I showed 11 portraits, men and women and only a single piece of rope was shown in one of the photographs. No one was tied, bound or in any hint of physical pain. Most surprising of all, everyone was clothed.

I wanted to take on a different approach with this one. I love the idea of leading viewers to a direction that is merely a platform for them to imagine whatever they desire. I’ve just showed them to a door and left it open. Of Kink and The Erotic was a means of showing viewers that anyone can be a part of this counter culture. Could be your neighbor, your doctor, friend or even relative... I wanted the viewer to question if they found out this other person did have Kink, how much of your own opinions of them would change. Fear of the unknown is a strong influence. It isn’t like anyone of us don’t have our own taboo desires.

The second part of the exhibition was a group showing from artists from the UK, Hong Kong, Japan, Russia and various part of the US.I thought it was a nice balance of erotic images along with the more subdued images of my own. It still blows me away that these artists entrusted me with their files to print for the show. Not only do I respect of love their artistic aesthetic, but willingness to share their work. Many of these artists I have never met.

Back to the Past...

Music | Something About John Coltrane by Alice Coltrane

I have no qualms about nostalgia. As with most people who are older, I am also bent to things of the past. I am now the old guy often reminiscing about the yesterdays. How music was so much better, how cars had more character, how most folks had a real sense of style... I love my beater 1983 Volvo and still have my 1979 BMW motorcycle. The things I am passionate about are all about soul, character and style.

I just found that I will soon have a love that I have not had a relationship with in about the past 17 years. I will be reunited with Hasselblad. My first long time affair with Hasselblad started back in 1987. I was able after many years of yearning, purchase an entire brand new system. She made me work for her and I in turn appreciated the hell out her. She treated me well, never to fail me in the decade or so of being my main system.

I am one of the few people that think the digital age has ruined a lot of things. Like most, I was lured by what digital had to offer. Promises of everything good, faster, better and more economical. My Hasselblad sat in its case not being used for years. Around 2002, I sold everything, regretting it the moment she left my possession.

The nice thing about my second go around with Hasselblad is that this one comes from a good friend who has had her for over 2 decades. She is a bit beat up, battle scarred, but still carries character I will be elated to make more art with.

I love going back to the past, reliving vicariously my youth. Material things come and go, but some things are objects of desire. This one will be appreciated for more decades as I get older, moving and dancing as I did when I was younger.