These first two images are photographed by James Bidgood and are currently on display at the Museum of Sex. They appeal to me in their cinematic, Puck from Midsummer Nights Dream, ethereal/romantic aesthetic, but also because of the content and process. Bidgood was out and proud in New York and worked as a costume and stage designer at Club 82 in NY in the 50s. His photographs are referred to as “physique photography” and are informed by his time as a drag performer. The photos have both an eroticism and an innocence to them. They were done in his very small apartment, without any post-production effects; I’m fascinated by how he turned his small space into a studio and achieved the underwater effects with mineral oil, sequins, and forced perspective. The models are Bobby Kendall and Jay Garvin, respectively.
These next two images are by Parker Day as part of her ICONS series, which is a play on identity. There is no Photoshop used here and they are photographed on film, and I love how she achieved the vivid colors. She has a knack for subverting these hyper commercialized brands, especially in these two photos with the recognizable iconography of Barbie and Mickey Mouse- They’re gritty and maybe even a little unsettling, but transfixing and comforting at the same time.
These photos are of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Tierra Whack, and I found them through my love of the artists featured, not the photographers (Matt Irwin and Nick Canonica). The use of toys and stuffed animals is very nostalgia-inducing in both, and probably reminiscent of the artists’ respective childhoods in the late 80s/early 90s, despite the fact that they’re from different backgrounds. I also like the harsh lighting in both - though there is something more real and melancholy about the photo of Tierra Whack. I also like that it portrays something about youth without being infantilizing. Aaaand I just generally gravitate toward bright and busy imagery.
I’m the youngest of two. I’m a feminist and a writer. I’m Jewish. Sometimes I sing and play guitar. I think often about interpersonal relationships, about power dynamics between men and women, about rampant sexism and misogyny, about gender and sexuality. I value friendship and family above my career. I’m happiest surrounded by people I care about, although I enjoy being alone. I like going to movies and museums alone. I like to read. I like bright colors and brand names and pop music, female rappers, country singers, and pop stars.