I like boobs and I like butts, so when Asger Carlsen created these images for S. Magazine I couldn’t help but appreciate. Boobs and butts are so interesting to me though. I feel like there’s a few social paradoxes in relation to these body parts that I still don’t quite understand. For example, it seems like boobies are more than acceptable to be showcased in public, but the nipple is actually the threshold that is not be crossed, because there are some true cleavage busters in Los Angeles county that’ll walk out of the house showing everything but the nip, and then get mad at you for staring. And on another note, aren’t bathing suits essentially water proof bra’s and panties? And even though they are, you can’t just roll to the beach in a bra and panties, because that’s “unacceptable”. Societies funny like that. What do you think?
Jonathan Yeo‘s latest project is sure to raise some eyebrows. Porn in the USA is a collection of collage mosaics, constructed using only images from pornography (look close). By reconstructing some of pop culture’s most iconic characters using graphic, sexual images, Yeo seems to play off their familiarity, turning their likeness into something subversive and shocking. Without reading too far into his work, I think he provokes an interesting point. Sexuality and pornography are ingrained in our culture and American society. And as much as the myth of American wholesomeness gets projected, I think we all know what’s really going on beneath the surface. Just a thought. Catch Porn in the USA at Lazarides LA from now until August 8th.
I’ve heard it said that with sexualized imagery, there’s a thin line between fine art and objectification. I’d counter that by saying that sometimes they actually go hand in hand (T-Rich anybody?). Either way you look at it, Andrew Quesada is a talented dude, who knows how to capture sex appeal. Specializing in, but not limiting himself to portraits of bad ones, Long Beach-based Quesada has a diverse portfolio that speaks for itself, and a style that’s direct and authentic. Check below for more, or here for his full catalog.
The photography of Greg Williams continues to impress me. We’ve showed you his work before, and now he’s back on the scene. Maybe it’s just my bias. I’m not one to argue against pretty girls showing their boobies. But the double standard’s so crucial, and it’s oh so real. We’ve known for a while that sex sells, and this is no different. I applaud this cover, and its contents within for its simple aesthetic and vibrant imagery. A welcome departure from the Cosmos of the world. Nonetheless, the double standard persists, and sex continues to sell. But I wonder if this trend will ever end. What do you think? Would you consider this “high art” or petty objectification?
Why ask somebody else, if you can do it yourself? I’m all for teamwork, but in Yulia’s case, it looks like going solo is the right move. Gorodinski is an Israeli photographer, whose portfolio is made up almost exclusively by self-portraits, setting herself against a canvas of natural scenery. How she sets these up, I couldn’t tell you, but the work speaks for itself. Gorodinski’s photography is sexy and visually arresting, putting her body front and center. Check out the full portfolio here.
A couple weeks ago Reed hit me up telling me how surprisingly easy it was for him to get tested for AIDS at Out of the Closet. Not a fan of needles, he had been reluctant to get tested for a while, just because he wasn’t trying to fuck with the needles. Needless to say, Reed was pleasantly surprised by the ease and harmlessness of the procedure. Suggesting I throw up a few words about the process, I told him I needed to check it out for myself before I spoke on it.
“Canadian artist Gordon Ball was born in Montreal, Quebec. He began taking photos of his friends skateboarding, doing drugs, playing in hardcore bands, making out, and skinny dipping in 1994. Today, nothing much has changed”. So reads the artist statement on Ball’s website. While that definitely seems to be the case, it should be noted that Gordon is amazing at what he does. Visually speaking, work boasts vivid color and thoughtful composition. More importantly though, his photography has raw, human touch to it, turning debauchery and fun into something poetic. Pretty inspired, if you ask me.
Ladies and gentleman, I’ve come to a stark realization at 3:26PM. Today, I’ve realized that text messages are played out. They’re boring. They’re impersonal. They’re generic. Anyone can push some buttons with their thumbs. But who can show you the world through their eyes? It’s a little more work, but if you mean it then it’s worth it. It’s as simple as that. We all send and receive boring ass text messages everyday, me included. The “What you doing tonight,” the “What’s Good,” and the infamous two letter, “OK” response. This technology is great and all but let’s not forget that we’re humans. We’ve got emotions to share and love to give. So let me raise the bar one time. Get with the picture message. It’s ten times flyer, and the girls will like it more.
Some artists show you beautiful things, and others show you things that are truly ugly. Some take you places you never want to leave, and others show you places you wish you never saw. Before his tragic and untimely passing via heroin overdose last year, Dash Snow could do all of the above, sometimes all in the same image. After running away from home at 13, Dash started his photography career to document places he saw, that he might not remember in the morning. Running the gamut anywhere from hilarious to outta pocket to downright nasty, his work is some of the most inspiring art I can remember seeing. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Let’s not play ourselves. Slaps like this are important. Our generation doesn’t really have a Teddy P (RIP) or a Prince, so sometimes cats like Luda and Trey need to come through with the baby-making music. Despite the recent wave of flop decisions on Mr. Bridges’ part (a handful of weak singles, the Justin Beiber feature and one seriously hurt album cover), this joint caught my attention. Props to the big homie Sam, who’s been keeping me thoroughly entertained with the slaps and outta pocket shit of late. Oh, and in case you haven’t noticed, Trey’s been killin it for a while now. If this doesn’t hit the radio, it’d be a damn shame.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Download: Ludacris feat. Trey Songz – “Sex Room”
Last year, Damiani Books released HP, an anthology of legendary photographer Harri Peccinotti’s work. As one of the first few photographers to shoot the prestigious Pirelli Calendar, Peccinotti was one of the most forward-thinking photographers of the late ’60s and early ’70s. His work is directly, almost confrontationally sexual, with a strong female presence and a keen eye for aesthetics. Remind you of anyone? In this interview from Vice, Harri discusses his career, his creative process and why he’s not trippin off girls that aren’t “perfect”. Check out the book here, and more of his work below.
“Watch out here comes that playboy
Watch out here comes that playboy”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Download: The Marvelletes – “Playboy”
“The difference between sex and love? I would say sex is an art form. Love is the caring for the person that you’re performing the art with. How’s that?”
– Shaquille O’Neal
