'Sometimes, a model will ask to be photographed with their spouse, or boyfriend and often asked to match them up with another model. That naturally led to an archive of intimate couples photographs which has grown over 4 years into a collection I have compiled in this new book expose love.'
Over the last four years, photographer Anthony Timiraos has photographed over 100 men in classical nude poses. Over the last two years, I've had the privilege of featuring many of those men, and many of Anthony's shoots on FH. Anthony showcaed many of those 100 men in his books, expose, and expose More. In the third volume of his expose series, Anthony turns his focus to couples and exposeLove.
I had the opportunity to tease a bit of a preview of exposeLove when I featured Anthony's work with David and Rixio last year. (Pareja Caliente) After enjoying Anthony's work for awhile now, and seeing his work with David and Rixio, I was prepared to enjoy close to 150 images of hot bodies and hot couples. I wasn't quite as prepared for the emotional punch the images produced.
I think it was Anthony's powerful words at the beginning of the compilation. They brought a historical perspective to the work that stuck with me long after closing the book's last page. I began FH at time when enjoying the male form was 'relatively' acceptable. If not completely acceptable, the Internet made it as least relatively easy. It's easy to take for grated that the ability to see incredible images of nude men wasn't always as simple, or as safe.
'I aimed for scenes that showed the love and passion between two men, free to express their emotions, relationship and their bodies. Just a few short years ago two men holding hands in public was not acceptable in many communities. Around the time of the Stonewall riots in 1969, this book would most likely be considered pornography and if I was able to find a commercial printer, it would only be available fully wrapped behind a counter so as not to be exposed to the general public.'
'Today, a book about love and affection between men in classical nude poses is more easily available but still restricted in many places. I am hopeful that while you are viewing my collection, you will feel the affection expressed by the models and understand the importance of equality by reading the selected famous quotes I have included. We should be grateful for the years of LGBTQ+ advocacy, education and litigation after the Stonewall riots.'
'We are closer together with less fear of retribution, but that does not mean we have reached full equality and not vulnerable to advances going backwards. There are still many struggling with censorship and acceptance at home, in a nearby neighborhood, city, state or country. Progress has been made over the years but these successes should not make us feel overly confident of the future. Never forget our history, don’t be afraid to remind new generations of our struggles and always encourage others to get involved in their civil rights. Be proud.'
No comments:
Post a Comment