This is the first exhibit presented by Abigail Ekue Photography to promote the ongoing Bare Men series and subvert the censorship of male nude photography. « Bare Men is my answer to the stoic nude photography of men who apparently didn’t have penises and the male nude market that is geared towards gay men. »
Bare Men features art, editorial and erotic nude photographs of men sharing moments of joy, release, ecstasy and angst with full-frontal nudity. By showcasing men the way she does in Bare Men, Abigail Ekue has opened viewers’ eyes to the inherent beauty, sensuality, sexuality and vulnerability of the everyday man. Bare Men challenges the notion that no one wants to see nude men. “The question of why I would want to take photos of naked men is tainted by the idea that naked men are ugly and women have no interest or gain no pleasure from seeing men in the nude. Wrong.”
The overwhelming focus on female nudity over male nudity and the effect it has on both men and women is also challenged by Ekue’s photography. Over time Bare Men has also evolved into an outlet for men to work through body image issues and to finally be seen.
The collection of images selected for the Bare Men Pop-Up exhibit capture moments of joy, angst, self-care and self-love, playfulness, doubt and reflection. Previously unreleased images will be exhibited at the Pop-Up exhibit alongside photographs included in the Bare Men book.
EXHIBITION
Bare Men
Abigail Ekue
From May 19th, 2016
The Living Gallery
1094 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY 11221
[email protected]
http://www.the-living-gallery.com
http://abigailekue.com
http://www.baremen.net/
UPCOMING BOOK
Bare Men
Abigail Ekue
Release in September 2016
500 pages of color and B&W photography
Pre-order sale price valid until May 30, 2016
$80
http://www.baremen.net/the-book/bare-men
