Editorials

Stunning, powerful and unapologetic: black Filipina trans woman Jari Jones has become a generational icon and inspiration for all the right reasons. Shot by David Urbanke, Jari and her partner Deniz are familiar faces in a new era of inclusivity. Her role as an actress, model, producer and creative provides authenticity, compassion and hope, paving the way for future generations.

Every transition is also a journey, from self-hate to self-love – photographers Celine Yasemin and Milena Zara wanted to show the realness of transition while shooting iconic model and influencer Steph Barreto. The fruit of an amazing collaboration, their editorial is full of heart, as featured in Container Love’s first-ever print magazine, the Visibility Issue.

In a world that is relentlessly trying to mold us into predefined shapes, there is immense power and liberation in staying true to yourself – for his series features in our printed magazine, The Visibility Issue, Berlin photographer Anil Ayhan collaborated with musician, dancer, and queer tastemaker Lie Ning. Their duo’s beautiful work is proof that sometimes the best way to break through the noise is to just sing louder.

Musician and queer tastemaker Tarik Tesfu was shot by London-based photographer Ansgar Sollman for Container Love’s first printed magazine. A vital part of our Visible Love exhibition, their collaboration explores the liberating beauty of genderless fashion and how the media should take responsibility in not only displaying queer people but letting them behind the camera too.

It’s not about beauty that’s transformative but about the transformation that’s beautiful – iconic makeup-up artist and drag superstar Hungry was shot by Berlin-based photographer Bastian Thiery for Container Love’s Visibility Issue. A celebration of creativity and queerness, Bastian’s series is one that’s here to stay for a long time.

As the city sweats and the hot summer sun is melting the streets, the world becomes a playground, and every given moment, an opportunity for celebrating the vibrant tapestry of life. From posing naked on the roof to getting a cool splash on the balcony, New York-based artist Slava Mogutin's series of fun and sexy portraits is an untamed celebration of life and unapologetic queerness.

What stories does your body silently reveal about you when you are at your most vulnerable? – through a blend of humor and experimentation, AdeY sheds light not only on our strengths while fleeting instances of social oppression, isolation, anxiety, and depression that seemingly intertwine with the essence of the human experience. Check out AdeY’s pictures as featured in our Visibility Issue.

In a world where conformity and external validation often hold sway, all you need for happiness is to be a little extra – photographer Robin Kater shot talented performer, media personality, and his fellow Berliner Robin Solf. Out of their collaboration was born Robin’s amazing editorial, an essential part of Container Love’s first printed magazine, the Visibility Issue.

The only thing greater than the excitement of discovering is the excitement of being discovered – Berlin-based photographer Julien Barbès’ shot Santa K for Container Love's first printed magazine. A gorgeous visual manifesto of queer visibility, Julien’s series is just as bold, playful, and glamorous as his muse for the day.

When surrounded by nature, one can be vulnerable and it’s only through letting ourselves be vulnerable that we can find our greatest strength – Nikk Martin shot musician and queer tastemaker Blazey for Container Love’s fist print magazine, the Visibility Issue. His series takes us on a journey into nature, documenting a process of self-acceptance, and celebrating the unique qualities that make us who we are.

Changing the cultural narrative – New York photographers Allie Leepson and Jesse McClary’s ongoing series gives us a glimpse into the lives of the bold and defiant LGBTQ+ communities living in the American West. With their pictures published as part of our Visible Love exhibition, Allie and Jesse spotlight their resilience and rightful sense of belonging in a culture that hasn't always welcomed or acknowledged them.

The underestimated power of the community – Daniela Mueller Brunke returned to the semi-desert grasslands of South Africa, to document the life of queer people in an often hostile environment. Her pictures featured in Container Love’s Visibility Issue show the rarely-seen reality of queer folks in South Africa, opening a door to a beautiful, strong community of people daring to be themselves against all odds.

The memories have the power to connect us to the future – Berlin-based photographer Osman Özel’s series for Visible Love is a collection of dreamy snippets straight out of the subconscious. Part of Container Love’s 10 years anniversary, Osman’s gorgeous editorial brings a unique mixture of fashion and portrait photography to the game, elevating the genres and making us reevaluate our perceptions of memories, and what they might hold.

Shot by Steve Marais at Berlin’s Teufelssee with giant mermaid Frieder Sell, the series pays homage to the rich heritage of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have sought and still seek solace and connection at this picturesque little lake, tucked away in the Grunewald forest. Shooting in this queer safe space invites reflection on the interplay between societal norms and free self-expression, and perhaps fosters a deeper understanding of love and inclusivity.

There is love that reminds us why we are on this giant rock called Earth, rotating in this universe. Be a lighthouse for others, and for yourself. Christopher Sherman’s series is an unapologetic celebration of sexuality and all the joy and liberation it can bring into our lives.

In celebrating queer love in public, we celebrate the triumph of love over adversity, the resilience of the queer community, and the power of visibility in challenging societal norms. Shooting Chris and Malte of erotic art collective Pornceptual, Szymon Stepniak's goal was to increase the visibility of queer relationships by showing authentic and affectionate moments in public spaces.

In a world filled with complexities, there exists a timeless and profound emotion that transcends all boundaries – pure love and intimacy. Created for Container Love’s first printed magazine, Rob Tennent’s couples series captures connections that go beyond physicality, connections that delve into the very depths of our souls.

A touch can mean nothing, a touch can change everything – the series Caroline Mackintosh shot for our first printed Visibility Issue is one about touch, movement, and skin-on-skin intimacy. Enjoy Caroline’s amazing pictures, an ode to queer communities worldwide, emphasizing the power of togetherness.

Athens photographer Kostis Fokas accompanies two young men to the Greek seaside in his series, produced for Container Love’s first-ever printed Visibility Issue. Part of our latest Visible Love exhibition, these images bring back memories of a perfect, sun-soaked afternoon, a forever reminder of how lustful, gorgeous, and happy youth can be.

Isn’t it strange that we still haven't gotten any closer to understanding the connection between desire and emancipation? – Berlin-based photographer Kemara Pol’s series featured in Container Love’s first printed Visibility Issue is a new take on creation, offering an alternative narrative to the story we have all heard of, dating back to the Garden of Eden.

Finding the one thing that you’d never change about yourself – the second series photographer Nikk Martin shot for our Visible Love exhibition is a love letter to everyone’s inner self. With the tender voice of acceptance, Nikk’s images tell the story about the importance and power of self-love and how appreciating the little things about ourselves can give us the confidence and power to shine through anything.

The future is built on communities – photographer Aart Verrips put together an incredible selection of his artwork for Container Love’s anniversary. As part of our Visible Love exhibition, Aart’s imagery goes beyond the conceptual, resulting in a world of wonders that is exciting, playful, and sensitive.

Love is gravity – seeing Berlin photographer Shauna Summers’ beautiful imagery it needs little explanation why she’s among the artists contributing to our Visible Love exhibition. Exploring an underlying layer of fashion photography, Shauna’s work is gentle, almost melancholic, yet utterly powerful capturing identities of a new era.