Queer art straddles the intersection of lofty expression and underground decadence. We excavate the shadows for inspiration and elevate our dark desires for gallery representation. But as galleries become increasingly scarce, the spirit of LGBTQ creativity roars unabated, both online and in new venues.
This is the story of BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! It is a brand that encapsulates the work of 60+ photographers whose images have dazzled and aroused gay audiences for over a decade. The seeds of seediness were planted at The Little Black Gallery in Chelsea, London.
Co-founder Ghislain Pascal pondered the rhetorical origins of his artistic collective in a recent statement: “You may ask why do we need a platform and magazine for queer and gay photography?”
Responding to his own query, Pascal continued, “The simple answer is that queer and gay photography is grossly underrepresented in the fine art world, and even more so in the mainstream media. BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! is pushing back against this and attempting to make it mainstream and showcasing queer and gay photography in the context of fine art photography.”
Embracing the whimsical dichotomy of youthful exuberance and gritty adulthood, BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! evokes multiple generations’ worth of coveted queer erotica. The graphic design is reminiscent of 70s dime store smut while the crisp, elegant visuals within span the gamut from vintage to vanguard.
The male figure twists its way through the viewer’s fantasies, achieving vulnerability despite the preponderance of sinewy muscles on display.
The BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! website acts as a digital book shop, ushering guests through a metaphorical curtain and indulging their every curiosity. Visitors can partake in the brand’s bi-annual magazine publications or opt for high-quality prints from their chosen photographer instead.
The best part: The Little Black Gallery donates $1 of every sale to HIV research and care. So, you can have your cakes and eat them too.
Photo: boysboysboys.org
Last modified: February 16, 2021
