The Rules Have To Be Changed – Container Love Artists On The Year Ahead
For an extra special editorial, we asked some of our favorite photographers from all around the world to share a picture of theirs from the past year alongside some thoughts, their hopes and wishes for the next one. This is what they wrote.
Stéphane Gizard: Hunting Down Memories
An archive of unpublished images from 1999 showing different encounters and shades of youth. That is ‘Irréversible’, the last book of Paris photographer Stéphane Gizard that shows in a mix of polaroid photos and films a look back with elegance on what is not with us anymore. A trip of nostalgia, a journey of emotions, lovers and memories in conversation with Container Love.
Wojciech Wos: Out of the Blue
We love the way Berlin-based painter Wojciech Wos sees the world and how it all appears on his canvas as a big bold, colorful celebration of queer life. To celebrate having him on board as a future contributor to Container Love who will make our opinion pieces look prettier than ever, we asked Wojciech to share a special selection of his latest paintings with us.
Jamal Nxedlana: I am because you are
The art of letting others shine – Johannesburg-based photographer Jamal Nxedlana captures the reality of queerness in South Africa. In conversation with Container Love, Jamal told us about how a community’s story should be told, the challenges of getting political as an artist and why he sees his world as a part of something larger.
“I Want To Make People Feel Beautiful Whenever They’re Around Me.”
We all grow up in a system of stereotypes, we all grow up believing that people are supposed to put other people in boxes – that’s how society works. We ain’t making the rules. But do we realize what this system does to us? No one can win with a losing hand.
Ryan Pfluger: Until We Are All Free
Los Angeles photographer Ryan Pfluger’s new book Holding Space: Life and Love Through a Queer Lens is not only a rare documentation of couples being both queer and interracial, but an immensely moving piece of art.
Bruce Labruce: Disturbing Realities
Bruce LaBruce is a continuous art showcase and a reference for queer culture. From one project to the next, the artist, writer, filmmaker, photographer and director has always navigated different topics with a distinctive provocation.
Cora Hamilton: Fit In Or Lose Out
For trans and gender non-conforming (gnc) models, the use of sample size means stamping out their “otherness” and fitting the cisgender mould, equating being cis to being better – Container Love guest author and co-founder of the exclusively LGBTQIA+ talent agency, uns* Cora Hamilton explains one of the fundamental flaws of the fashion industry and how it’s high time for some of its old rules to be rewritten.
Adam Munnings: Is This A Safe Space?
“Sometimes all we want is just to be, to exist in a space where we don’t have to explain, prove, justify or defend ourselves”, states film director Adam Munnings in a new guest collaboration opinion for Container Love. His interpretation of a safe space and how that translates into a club experience.
uns*: Education As The Key For An Inclusive Industry
As the first exclusive LGBTQIA+ model and talent agency in the country, uns* has earned a place in the German market. Celebrating two years since their founders Cora Hamilton and Max Weiland started, they share perspectives about the challenges of the business and the relevance of having queer bodies in the industry.
Veronique Charlotte: Portraying Queer Bodies Through Gender Project Is A Political Statement
A mix between arts, activism and the opportunity to connect deeper would probably define Gender Project but also Veronique Charlotte, its creative director. In a sweet interview with Container Love, they share thoughts and experiences about gender dysphoria, their career in high fashion, the disappointments of the industry and the need of raising the level of the conversation when talking about LGBTQIA+ legislation and rights.
Ode To My Suit – A Transmasc Perspective About Masculinity In Fashion
In a personal piece, founder of LGBTQIA+ talent agency uns* and Container Love guest author Max Weiland tells about their liberating relationship with fashion as a transmasculine person and asks brands, especially suit manufacturers, some uncomfortable yet highly relevant questions.
Lars Borges: A Photo Journal Of Hope In Mexico City
Photographer Lars Borges shared with Container Love Clementine, a photo-series of his month in Mexico. A journal with portraits of queer voices unafraid of living truth to themselves while battling the progress of queer rights in Mexico City.
There Are Bigger Problems In The World Than Two People Holding Hands
Holding hands in the street is not the same for a hetero couple than a queer one. We live in times where the LGBTQIA+ community has improved in rights and representation, but still way behind from a world that we all feel safe, even in the commonality of going out in the streets and loving publicly. Read our new opinion piece by Javier Zamora-Kalazich.
Niklas Förster: Rediscovering Identities Through Generation Q
The beauty of queer youth lies in its ever-changing nature – with his new series, German art director and photographer Niklas Förster is going after this untameable spirit, capturing wonderful, intimate portraits of young queer folks.
Mengwen Cao: Ready To Love, Ready To Be Heartbroken
Know the sacrifice you are willing to make – New York-based photographer Mengwen Cao’s work has been constantly evolving since their project, Here We Are made headlines worldwide starting a conversation about queerness in Asian societies.
Top Surgery: More Than A Body
An intimate reflection of the post thoughts of a top surgery in the words of Drew Lor. Through his journey introduces questions and perspectives upon inhabiting our own bodies. From the discomfort to the shame, the inherited cultural expectations, and the navigation of finding your 'mobile-home' more truth and closer to yourself.