Container Love
Interviews
In-depth interviews with photographers and painters, designers and taste-makers, actors and activists – people who inspire us, revealing the stories behind their work, their passion and their projects.
Photo Nana Yaw
Team’s Choice
Lamin Leroy Gibba: The Pictures You See Are The Life You Lead
Substitute judgment with curiosity, and great things are bound to happen – Lamin Leroy Gibba is the creator of Black Fruit, the new series exploring Black and queer identities in front of the backdrop of today’s Germany. A writer, producer, and actor, Lamin represents a new generation of creatives fearlessly working through the concepts of race and sexuality in a world in turmoil. In conversation with Container Love, Lamin told us about the bigger picture behind Black Fruit, creative processes, and the way childhood aspirations can live on to become a compass for life.
Stuart Sandford: Capturing Desire
Documenting two decades of his analog photography, London and Los Angeles-based photographer Stuart Sandford’s upcoming book XX is a work of beauty. In conversation with fellow photographer Slava Mogutin for Container Love, the two renowned artists discuss memory, the wonder of love, the medium of bodybuilding, and the bigger picture behind Stuart’s breathtaking work from the past 20 years.
Ben Galster: Sexuality Is All About Liberation
Accepting sexuality as a universal language that connects us all can lead to a more natural way of living – director Ben Galster made Container Love’s latest film project, the music video for the Irrepressibles’ song, “Ecstasy Homosexuality”, into a beautiful, political statement. We asked him about the historical context of his latest film, directing intimate scenes, and why standing up for each other in the fight for queer rights and liberties is now more important than ever.
Queers On Ecstasy: Voices To Remember
This is the first installment of “Queers on Ecstasy,” part of our Beyond Lust Special, where we explore and showcase incredible talents within the queer community. Through this series, we share their individual interpretations of ecstasy, inviting you to experience the many facets of queer joy, creativity, and expression.
Max Gaertner: All Colors Of The Rainbow
Dance can bring all kinds of emotions to the surface while liberating the mind and body – Max Gaertner is part of Container Love’s latest project, the music video for the song by The Irrepressibles, "Ecstasy Homosexuality". As part of our latest Beyond Lust special, we asked Max to tell us about his behind the scenes experience, a personal queer icon he’ll never forget, and the freedom and tranquility he’s found in dancing.
Karma Di Sapio: No New Life Comes Easy
It takes time and courage to unlearn old ways of life, but rebuilding new is always worth it – Berlin-based actor and model Karma di Sapio plays an important role in our latest film, the music video for The Irrepressibles’ song, Ecstasy Homosexuality. In conversation with Container Love, Karma told us about his upbringing in Italy, his journey of self-exploration, lust, and why playing a voyeur carries a special relevance to him.
Elias Brenneisen: Everybody Needs Something To Believe In
By just putting yourself out there, you will be rewarded with people around you that shine bright and who will help you thrive even more – Berlin-based dancer and model Elias Brenneisen belongs to a new generation of fearless queer creators. Member of the cast of our music video for The Irrepressibles’ Ecstasy Homosexuality, we asked Elias to share his story on finding his identity and confidence in Berlin, the importance of role models, and the magical effects on one’s life of keeping it casually sexy.
Ricardo Rozas: Built By Us, Built For Us
Queerness can give you the strength to take risks building your own path – Berlin-based tattoo artist Ricardo Rozas was key to Container Love’s latest project, the music video for The Irrepressibles’ song, "Ecstasy Homosexuality". Now part of our Beyond Lust special, we asked Ricardo to tell us about the balancing act of experiencing ecstasy, some of his dearest childhood memories of the Chilean shoreline, and why Berlin remains the place to be for people on the quest for finding themselves.
Dario Campo: The Promise Of Change
Radical acceptance can break down barriers – Berlin-based dancer, director and filmmaker Dario Campo played an important role in our latest music video for The Irrepressibles’ Ecstasy Homosexuality. As part of our Beyond Lust summer special, we asked Dario about how leaving perfectionism behind helped him to become a better storyteller, the duality of living in Berlin, and the liberating experience of getting a queer haircut.
Lie Ning: Whispering Queer Intimacy In Your Ear
Adored multi-talented artist and November’s global cover of Spotify Glow, Lie Ning, presents, in an exclusive conversation with Container Love, his latest hot music project named ‘sweatshop’, singing about intimacy, connections, and sex. Trust us, we love it!
Tarik Tesfu: The Power Of Trusting Yourself
Labels prevent you from reaching your full potential – journalist, podcaster, performer, and an iconic advocate for genderless fashion, Tarik Tesfu is as real as all-around talents get. In conversation with Container Love’s founder Christian Ruess, Tarik opened up about growing up black and queer in Germany, why he doesn’t like to be called an activist, and how his brand new album, Mutterland, has led him into a new era of self-consciousness.
Ayan Yuruk: “Being True To Yourself Should Be A Life Motto For Everyone”
Beloved queer role model Ayan Yuruk, one of the Fab 5 from Queer Eye Germany, brings a charming and confident energy to everything he does. In conversation with Container Love, Ayan shares bits of his successful young career, the accidental jump on TV, and also the challenges he has faced along his journey into becoming a charming personality in Germany.
Gialu: Non-Binary Representation’s Sweetheart
One of the most exciting voices of non-binary people representation on social media these days. With only 25 years, Gialu lives unapologetically while inspiring generations with quality educational content that celebrates non-binary and trans lives. Gialu shares with Container Love their perspectives about a world that moves forward in queer affairs but still faces several challenges to achieve true inclusion.
Maxwell Poth: Empowering Queer Youth
Maxwell Poth, in conversation with Container Love, presents his latest book, "Young Queer America: The Real Stories and Faces of LGBTQ+ Youth." Through his nonprofit organization, Project Contrast, the photographer and advocate shares details about his life and this project, aiming to continue raising awareness about mental health and create a safe space that fosters a sense of community for young queer individuals in the US.
Ben Galster: The Call Of The Hidden Dimension
Films should make you think about the lives and feelings of others, helping you to learn something new about yourself too – in Container Love’s latest short film, The Hidden Dimension, awarded with Silver Screen at Cannes Young Director Award, director Ben Galster dove deep to capture the beautiful and complex mind of queer visual artist Leo Maki and the challenges behind his craft. We sat down with Ben to talk about his principles in filmmaking, queer visibility, and the unique visual storytelling of The Hidden Dimension.
Ira Lupu: Documenting Homeland Under Attack
Ukrainian photographer Ira Lupu opens up about the implications of the war in her life and career, including her last documentary photo series Time of the Phoenix portraying her nation under attack. She shares with Container Love the decision behind going back to Ukraine under attack, and the ways that society has come together to protect their country, including having queer military units.
Jan Baszak: Sculpting Spaces
After a great reception of his last work “The Discomfort of Evening" Jan Baszak sits down with Container Love to talk about his approach to arts as a sculptor and a designer. The inspiration behind his creations and the ways of crafting space. The queer artist also shares his vision upon the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights in Poland and the political scenario.
Krystian Lipiec: Coming Home To You
Warsaw artist Krystian Lipiec’s story is one of personal growth, one that has been documented through his gorgeous imagery that he likes to refer to simply as beauty photography. In conversation with Container Love, he told us about the forests surrounding his mother’s house, his coming out, and how overcoming hesitation has changed his life forever.
Alex Huanfa Cheng: Leaving Wonderland
Paris-based photographer Alex Huanfa Cheng has been exploring and simultaneously pushing the boundaries of documentary photography all of his career. A beautiful clash of two worlds, he is using his experience in fashion to show everyday scenes from three continents and purify them until the point when there is nothing left of reality but a feeling.
Mehran Djojan: The Right To Live Shamelessly
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.
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.
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.
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.
Charmaine Poh: In The Eye Of The Observer
Showing queerness as an underlying presence – Chinese-Singaporean artist and photographer Charmaine Poh is taking a step back from identities in order to show them within the bigger picture.
No. 223: Internet Adolescence
Taking photos the same way a director would shoot a movie – Chinese photographer Lin Zhipeng, better known as No. 223, is an artist whose photography is bending both genre and gender.
Osamu Yokonami: The Portrait Of The Faceless
The chase of wandering spirits – there is something otherworldly and haunting about Japanese photographer Osamu Yokonami’s work that makes his images feel tragic yet beautiful at the same time.
Rob Tennent: Not Waiting For A Miracle
We talked with Rob Tennent, Auckland-based photographer and creative as he captures queer love in all it's beauty.
Rosiah Bernier: Show Us How To Love Yourself
Entrepreneur, YouTuber, advocate and model Rosiah Bernier sat down with us to discuss pronouns, transitioning and more.
Allie & Jesse: About A Place Of Love
Meet the creative queer duo of Allie Leepson and Jesse McClary with a partnership of marriage and photography.
Tanner Fletcher: Genderless Clothing For All
We had a chat with Fletcher Kassel, half of fashion label Tanner Fletcher, to talk about gender expression and what fashion can mean.
Soraya T Zaman: A Seat At The Table
New York based, Australian artist Soroya T. Zaman shares their fight for visibility and diversity as a queer photographer.
Vico Ortiz: What Does Queer Visibility Really Mean?
An Essay of Love: We sat down and spoke with the iconic Our Flag Means Death actor Vico Ortiz to discuss visibility, identity and queerness.
Jess T. Dugan: A Radical And Beautiful Act
Meet Jess Dugan, a renowned artist exploring identity through photography, video and writing, with their work exhibited in over 40 museums.
Lindsay Ryklief: Living Unapologetically
We interviewed Lindsay Ryklief - a Seoul-based photographer, DJ and promoter who first one our hearts with ongoing series, Boys of Seoul.
Leo Maki: Ain’t Bad Education
Bold eroticism is what makes Leo Maki a truly different kind of creator among queer photographers, catch our interview with him here!
Living in Lupae Latex, A Fashion Revolution
Latex is taking over fashion, with Lupae at the heart. We spoke to the founder, Michelle Worsley, on queerness and the latex revolution.
Henri Jakobs: Representation and Act(ing) Out
Musician, actor and activist Henri Jakobs talks with us about breaking social structures, how to be a better ally and #ActOut.
Justin Thesis Smith: Dancing Away The Binary
Meet Justin Thesis Smith, the phenomenal dancer based in Berlin that speaks to us on toxic masculinity, dance and queerness.
Barbie Breakout: Breaking Out Expectations
Why is Pride still important? Barbie Breakout, German Drag Queen, podcaster, author and activist, let us know.
Massimo Leardini: The Season Of Light
Photographer Massimo Leardini pictures capture ultimate beauty while releasing it back into the wild, into nature.
Laurence Philomène: Changing Seasons
We sat down with Laurence Philomène to talk about the idea behind Puberty and the queer and trans people of the future.
Slava Mogutin: Analog Human Studies
Slava Mogutin, artist and author exiled from Russia for his outspoken queer writing and activism, sits down with us to reveal all.
Rob Tennent: A Way To Remember
With the world standing still during the pandemic, Rob Tennent travelled around New Zealand for his book, I'm Going To Miss You.
Jesse Van Den Berg: Unexplored Territories
Jesse van den Berg is a non-binary photographer based in the Netherlands on a mission to put the spotlight on people who are underrepresented.
Nana Yaw Oduro: Shine A Light On
Nana Yaw Oduro is a young photographer living in Ghana, facing an exciting future with his pictures getting him more recognition worldwide.
Nana Yaw Oduro: Everything Is Beautiful
Welcome to the world of photographer Nana Yaw Oduro who focuses on boyhood years, masculinity, social acceptance and self-confidence.
Mees Peijnenburg: When Two Bodies Collide
We wanted to ask director & photographer Mees Peijnenburg ever since we first saw images from his hopefully never-ending series, Kiss Kiss.
Asger Carlsen: Trusting Curiosity
New York based photographer and media artist Asger Carlson talks about being crime scene photographer and his artistic future.
Stuart Sandford: That Some Kind Of Magic Moment
We sat down with the British multimedia artist Stuart Sandford to talk about sexuality, polaroids and the demystification of love.
Wojciech Wos: Boys Make Me Sad Sometimes
The Polish artist Wojciech Wos told us about the magic of the last brushstrokes and moving to Berlin in the middle of a pandemic.
Daniel Marin Medina: Love Is Fucking Beautiful
In conversation with Container Love, the Colombian painter Daniel Marin Medina told us about his enthusiasm for the human body and mapping sexuality.
Zeno Spyropoulos: Normalising Realness
Talking with Berlin-based photographer Zeno Spyropoulos about his recent book and why we hide from reality on both sides of the camera.
Leo Maki: You Do You And I Do Me
Leo Maki sent us an exclusive selection from his Guys N Stuff series and talked work, style, inspiration in Corona and Narcissism.
Boys! Boys! Boys! Goes Magazine
Boys! Boys! Boys! goes magazine. And we love it! We had a little chat with founder and director Ghislain Pascal.
Chain Rialto: Love Is A Drug That Can Make Or Break Us
We are completely in love with the work of New York based photographer Chain Rialto. We sat down to talk about Narcissism.
Birk Thomassen: Beyond The Camera
"Inviting – not excluding." When we asked photographer Birk Thomassen for his definition of Safe Space, this was his answer.
Spyros Rennt: The Quiet Next To The Loud
We had a little interview with Spyros Rennt and talked about his new book, Lust Surrender, that displays brave honesty and love.
Nelson Morales: The Muxes of Mexico
Introducing Nelson Morales and the The Muxes Of Oaxaca – a longterm project about the Muxes, considered the third gender in Mexico.
Melissa Schriek: The City Is A Choreography
Amsterdam-based photographer Melissa Schriek explores the city and its residents in her book The City Is A Choreography.
Daurismo by Daura: What Is Chosen Family?
Welcome to Daurismo – the world of Daura, a film photographer showing the different paths of womanhood and the ever-expanding gender spectrum.
Florian Hetz: Zwei, My Two Lives In One Book
Florian Hetz puts together two images – two worlds, a dialogue between two opposites or two photos that tell a story in Zwei.
Chloe Rosser: Maybe With A Bit Of Poetry
London-based photographer Chloe Rosser talks about her series Form & Function, where the body into fleshy sculptures.
Asaf Einy: This Is Not The End
Tel Aviv based photographer Asaf Einy reminds us of documentaries about places we always wanted to travel to with colours and moments.
Alexan Sarikamichian: Some Kind Of Fantasy Story
Argentinian Alexan Sarikamichian, director of "Cosmos", began his career as a producer with over 10 short and feature films and music videos.
Boys! Boys! Boys! Book
Boys! Boys! Boys! is a new book presenting a contemporary collection of queer photography with more than 50 queer photographers from 20 countries.
Laurence Philomène: No Boys No Girls No Nothing
Laurence Philomène is a photographer working around themes of colour theory, queerness and gender identity, with no gender stereotypes.
Manuel Scrima: The Image In My Head
We are in love with Manuel Scrima, a talented artist from Milano who got into many fields of creative work since he was a child.
Stefan Gunnesch: The Me And The Daemonien
Stefan Gunnesch is a Leipzig based communications designer playing with abstraction and anonymisation of the human body.
Birk Thomassen: Hypnotize Me
Birk Thomassen has a remarkable eye for intimate and sexually charged moments with his distinct visual language and documentary look.
Annika Weertz: The Bath Time Diaries
Welcome to the world of imperfection. Immerse with us into the analogue universe of Annika Weertz and her view on breaking gender stereotypes.
Daantje Bons: What Is There Not To Love
Daantje Bons is a fine art photographer working and living in Utrecht, portraying intriguing scenes with honesty and sincerity.
Andrea Galad: The Brightest Side Of Soul
With is unique style, Neo Classic Photography, Italian-born photographer and artist Andrea Galad creates a mystical universe that reflects his soul.
Karolina Hanulak: The Unvarnished View
Despite - or just because - of her young age, Karolina Hanulak conveys her intimate emotions in playful, uncompressed moments.
Anderson Zomer: Man Is Nature
We found photographer Anderson Zomer and wanted to know more about him because we deeply fell in love with his current project.
Kostis Fokas: I’m Not Malfunctioning, You Are
We are big fans of Athens-born photographer Kostis Fokas. His progressive view on male erotica and beauty is confusing, absurd, and funny.
Armando Frezze Durand: Love Is The Only Cure
Armando Frezze Durand is an artist based in Buenos Aires. He focuses his work on the graphic study of masculinity through his close environment.
Rainer Torrado: The XXY Interview
Rainer Torrado is a photographer & art director who is living and working worldwide. We talked about his project THE XXY GENERATION with him.
Marcel Karussell: Love Ambassador 2017
We proudly present you the launch of our new Container Love profile accompanied by Instagram darling Marcel aka karussellfahrt.
Anton Shebetko: Why Not Make Some Pics?
Anton Shebetko is a Ukrainian artist and photographer based in Amsterdam whose work is mostly weird and funny focused on LGBTQIA-related topics.
Sven Serkis: Don’t Call Them Sexy
If you look at ADAM'S FRUIT, the long-term project of Sven Serkis, you’ll mostly see bodies, his existentially unique and quintessentially nude style.
Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert: Gender Is A Spectrum
Through the intimate portraits of Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert, he creates a new insight into the trans and genderqueer community.
Rebecca Ruetten: Boys
Rebecca Ruetten, Berlin-based photographer, and nomad artist. She is breaking gender stereotypes with her series "Boys".
Daria Nelson: Love On The Beat
Daria Nelson is a Russian soul from Ukraine, now based in Paris with this beautiful series about overcoming gender boundaries.
Container Love
Opinion
The space for our guest-writers and columnists, artists, activist, queer opinion-makers to share their thoughts and personal stories reflecting on relevant topics, broadening our horizons by discussing diversity and the freedom of love in our modern day society.
Painting Wojciech Wos
Alex Gessner: Pride For All Or None Of Us
Alex Gessner shares her perspective into the current state of LGBTQIA2S+ communities in 2023, amidst a backdrop of increasing attacks and discrimination. This Container Love opinion sheds light on the urgent need for solidarity and action, calling on companies and individuals to go beyond performative gestures and embrace real inclusivity. From workplace discrimination to global struggles, Alex called out that it's time for true liberation and equal protection for all members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Adrián Gomis Exposito: The Absence Of Love
Adrián Gomis Exposito explores the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in understanding and expressing love due to societal norms and mental health issues. This Container Love's opinion emphasizes the importance of creating an open and supportive environment for conversations about sexuality, self-expression, and the self-identity journey at their own pace, free from judment and pressure. Adrian reflects on how empowering everyone is fundamental to live authentically and create supporting environments.
Luise Zücker: Fashion As A Tool Of Identity
Inspired by the immense power of fashion as a tool for self-expression and identity exploration, Luise Zücker shares her opinion at Container Love. From historically secret dress codes to modern-day creative liberation, fashion speaks volumes without words, and Luise shared her own journey of finding identity through fashion and how it has influenced her work as a self-employed powerful female designer. Empowering women and LGBTQIA+ individuals in the fashion industry, she celebrates diversity, representation, and the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive world.
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.
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.
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