Container Love
Specials
Container Love’s Specials stand for curated editorials and interviews, celebrating special topics, in-house productions as well as collaborations with contemporary artists: a wide variety of projects tapping into the queer experience, approaching it in new, bold ways.
Photo Blazey by Nikk Martin
Team’s Choice
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.
Ecstasy Homosexuality: The Uncensored Music Video
After the commercial version of our music video for The Irrepressibles’ song, “Ecstasy Homosexuality” was removed from a leading video-sharing platform, we felt the need to publish the uncensored, festival-ready version of our film in a defiant move to stand up against the double standards of the mainstream media and the exclusion of queer content. Directed by Ben Galster and starring some of our Love Talents, the original edit of the music video is now up online for everyone to enjoy.
Ecstasy Homosexuality: The Artists Behind Our Music Video
Ecstasy is in the details – and with the new, extended, and uncensored version of our latest film, the music video for the Irrepressibles’ song “Ecstasy Homosexuality” now online it’s time for us to introduce the beautiful artists whose works appear in this audiovisual statement of love and rebellion. From already-established household names to wickedly talented newcomers, these photographers and visual artists represent the present and future of gay and queer art. They tap into the liberating power of queer love and community, but this is only one of the reasons why we are in love with their images.
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.
The Irrepressibles: Ecstasy Homosexuality
The elemental power of sexuality lies within liberation – the brand new music video from the iconic British artist The Irrepressibles is the fruit of Container Love’s latest collaboration, and our pride and joy. Produced together with Blink, the film for the track, Ecstasy Homosexuality is everything that we stand for: a bold statement of queer pride, and a fearless confession of a love that is unapologetic and unstoppable, one that goes beyond lust.
Cruising Essentials: A Bit Of Fun In The Darkest Hour
The music video for “Ecstasy Homosexuality” was built around one idea: sneaking out into the wild for a lustful adventure, or as we call it, cruising. And what is the one thing that’s a must for cruising? A perfect outfit, yes. To complete our Beyond Lust special, we teamed up with photographer Tim Sonntag and stylist Timo Luebker for an outrageously gorgeous editorial inspired by some of the most irresistible fashion choices we’ve seen at Berlin Pride so far.
Special
Spring Is My Love
Spring Is My Love by Container Love celebrates the best season of the year, a time when nature awakens and hormones buzz. This new season of love, pride, and a lot of fashion is showcased through a blend of exclusive editorials and the finest work from our spring-loving photographers.
Photo Balint Barna
Tim Sonntag: A Hidden Side Of Masculinity
Symbolism, dramatic lights, and shadows are all part of Berlin photographer Tim Sonntag’s art. As part of our Spring Is My Love series, Tim’s artworks are sitting comfortably in the place in between still lifes and documentary photography. His pictures, including the ones from the series Maennerbilder, remain one-of-a-kind as they explore the emotions behind the concept of modern-day masculinity.
Gerard Molón: Put Your Heart Into It
The gorgeous imagery of Barcelona photographer and art director Gerard Molón is defined by his roots in fashion, and his supercharged creativity. For his editorial, part of our Spring Is My Love series, Gerard put together a special selection of pictures in the spirit of celebrating identities and the art of expressing them.
Tsele Nthane: Life In The Moment Before
Tsele’s Nthane life is a life in full color. In his work, the Cape Town photographer captures some of the most vibrant, authentic characters of his hometown and beyond, with pictures adding up to a great-than-life celebration of identities. Tsele’s pictures give us a glimpse into the beating heart of South Africa: a fierce, and fearless, and beautiful generation refusing to give in to old dogmas.
Eden Jetschmann: Snapshots of Realization
Browsing through Berlin photographer Eden Jetschmann’s pictures can feel like flipping through a long-lost photo album, discovering a roadmap into someone else’s life and memories. Eden’s photography taps into a collective subconscious, serving as an open invitation to untangle and reframe a lot of misguided sets of understandings about one’s identity.
Arianna Genghini: Anatomy Of A Beautiful Feeling
Milan photographer and director Arianna Genghini’s body of work is an exploration of the female world. Through fashion and portraits, she shares stories of love, motherhood, empowerment, and does so with a forever love and inexhaustible enthusiasm for all shapes of the ever-changing female body.
Lana Prins: The Closer To You, The Closer To Me
Lana Prins’ photography is close to the skin. With her selection of pictures for her Container Love editorial, she’s showing an intimate glimpse into her life and the lives of those around her. By capturing emotionally charged photos of the women around her, she explores what it means to be a woman for herself and for those close to her.
Special
Container Talks
Container Talks is our series that shines a spotlight on the new role models to look up to. A combination of talents, creatives, and artists, represent the wide spectrum of queer culture in bold and refreshing ways, serving as a starting point to create stronger communities and allies through Container Love.
Photo Christian Ruess
BlackPearl: Breathing Fire
BlackPearl embodies strenght, power, and loads of fierce attitude. As a multidisciplinary artist, her ways of expression expands together with every step she takes. Represented by Cameron Nedrick, check her editorial with Container Love.
Anton Kravchenko: Breathing Rock N Roll
Since moving to Berlin, Anton Kravchenko has no secrets to hide as the city allows. Represented by Izaio Development, this emerging face is one that captivates.
Youngchan: In The Motion
Scouted by Cameron Nedrick, Youngchan embodies pure movement as a passion. With a clear and strong message against hatred and stereotypes, the talent embraces change and the journey of discovering new ways to express.
Denys: Look At Me, Yes You
Denys is a natural wanderer who embraces life in its complexity. However, in his eyes, there is no need to discuss it only with words, as expression and creativity allow him to speak too. Represented by Cameron Nedrick, this face reveals that he once fantasized about being a mermaid instead.
Dan Grips: Exuding Style
Dan Grips exudes an intriguing and magnetic attitude and look. Tattoos are their tool for expression, among other creative passions he treasures. Represented by Eli X Casting, the talent does not hold back in expressing his committed love for others.
Anton Obukhivskyi: Expression Spirit
Represented by Eli X Casting, Anton Obukhivskyi cherishes the figure of his mother as a role model. With a sleek and enigmatic look, the model took part of this Container Talks edition.
David Urbanke: The Voice Of A New Era
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.
Celine Yasemin & Milena Zara: Category Is… Realness
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.
Anil Ayhan: Tales From The City
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.
Ansgar Sollmann: The Present Is Genderless
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.
Bastian Thiery: Hungry Eyes
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.
Slava Mogutin: It’s Hot Out There
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.
Special
The Hidden Dimension
Container Love celebrates the release of our latest short film with a special series of interviews with artists from Eastern Europe sharing perspectives about LGBTQIA+ communities and their current situation. The Hidden Dimension continues Container Love’s commitment to promoting queer visibility and breaking down barriers through dialogue and art.
Photo Ben Galster
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.
Maria Kniaginin-Ciszewska: Serving ‘Slavicness’
Colors, dresses, wallpapers, wigs, long lashes, patterns, a hint of punk and a lot of kitsch. Maria Kniaginin-Ciszewska describes her photography as a reflection of her for Slavic culture, and her work speaks for itself. Check her full editorial in conversation with Container Love.
The Hidden Dimension: Official Trailer
Awarded with Silver Screen at Cannes Young Director Award, The Hidden Dimension is a portrait of queer photographer and visual artist Leo Maki. An intimate journey into the mind of the artist based in Warsaw, Poland. The film explores the creative process behind his work where sexuality, desire, and reality blends into art.
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.
Toby Coulson: The Joy Of Exploration
Inspiration is everywhere and up for grabs for the ones who wander the world with an open heart – London photographer Toby Coulson takes pictures during his extensive travels, from his homeland, the United Kingdom, to faraway lands sometimes on the other side of the globe. Working with an incredibly diverse array of people, Toby’s photography brings a very distinctive kind of serenity and surrealism to the table: his art is his traveling journal, built entirely on the “what if” scenarios of his adventures.
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.
Javier Cerrada: I’m Not From Here, I’m Not From There
For Berlin-based photographer Javier Cerrada, photography has always been a natural form of self-expression. His pictures are part of an ever-unfolding story of identities, real and chosen families, and love so powerful, it’s unstoppable. Joining us in celebrating a decade of love and beautiful diversity, Javier put together a special selection of his works, covering years and years of his career, connecting past with the present and lamenting about a future worth looking forward to.
Hao Nguyen: Blink And You Will Miss It
To love means to dare open up to others – Toronto-based photographer Hao Nguyen's pictures tell a million stories. Creating portrays that go beyond the subject while also keeping a forever playful, forever curious attitude, Hao is doing an amazing job making identities of all kinds visible. To understand his art better, we asked Hao to put together a special selection of his photographs and share his thoughts on representation, love, and the importance of self-reflection.
Alek Szmytko: Boxes Are Meant To Be Broken
Watching life as it unfolds in front of our eyes, in some otherworld colors – London photographer and art director Alek Szmytko’s imagery is loud and bold and full of life in all the good ways. To get a running start on his photography, we asked Alek to share some of his favorite shots with us, while also telling us about his principles as a photographer, documentarian, and human being exploring identities.
Morganne Boulden: The Weight We Carry
Brooklyn photographer Morganne Boulden captures the world around her in a fun, yet extremely sensitive way. And as all things beautiful, Morganne’s photography is about overcoming darkness. With all of her work made while on road trips across America with close friends and chosen family, these photos are about celebrating how our will to live can prevail – under all circumstances and against all odds.
Love Has No Label
Introducing our in-house Container Love film project, Love Has No Label, showing that no matter what, labels don't define us.
Love Finds A Way: The Premiere of Love Has No Label
The premiere of Container Love’s Love Has No Label editorial an evening to remember - find out more about it here.
Shayne: Living On A Spectrum
Love Has No Label tells the stories of four individuals and how they manage to remain true to themselves. This episode is about Shayne.
Isaak: Norms To Change
Love Has No Label tells the stories of four individuals and how they manage to remain true to themselves. This episode is about Isaak.
Chiderah: Not The Only Thing About Me
Love Has No Label tells the stories of four individuals and how they manage to remain true to themselves. This episode is about Chiderah.
Kate: The Time To Be Vulnerable
Love Has No Label tells the stories of four individuals and how they manage to remain true to themselves. This episode is about Kate.
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.
Elliott Verdier: The Will To Live
Award-winning photographer Elliot Verdier went to Liberia to capture a country too strong to give up in his book, Reaching for Dawn.
Eric Asamoah: The Day After Tomorrow
Surrendering to time, Ghanaian photographer Eric Asamoah shows us what the transition from boyhood to adulthood is truly about.
Tatenda Chidora: That New School
The art of Tatenda Chidora is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, of wild colours and surreal setups surrounding the African identity.
Jacobus Snyman: A Crown In The Making
There seem to be no limits to the imagination of Jacobus Snyman when it comes to fashion-driven photography.
Maganga Mwagogo: Tra Terra E Cielo
Nairobi-based photographer and director Maganga Mwagogo truly stands out showing an exceptional, gorgeous series rooted in nature.
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.
Daniel Marin Medina: Loving Without Fear
The essence of Columbian painter Daniel Marin Medina and his work is undoubtedly simple, mapping sexuality through every brush stroke.
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.
Bran Sólo: I Paint To Never Die
Spanish artist Bran Sólo defines himself as a painter, illustrator, designer and photographer as well as many things he never expected.
Wojciech Wos: I Paint Boys
Wojciech Wos is a visual artist from Poland based in Berlin, who shares with us not only his work, but also his personal diary – with the art of painting.
Shane Reynolds: Our Time Together, Our Time Apart
New York based photographer Shane Reynolds and his new series shows how we can be lovesick for someone who may not even exist.
Leo Maki: I Remember Touch
Summer melancholy never felt better - our favourite Polish photographer, Leo Maki is back with his neon coloured magic that we love.
Maximillian Mouson: Sickly Seeking
Discover Lovesick, Container Love's hot topic this summer, created by photographer Maximilian Mouson and written by editor Robin Micha.
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.
Kostis Fokas: Your Body, My Temple
Re-exploring the wonder that is the male body, the Greek photographer Kostis Fokas shares his latest series exclusively with Container Love.
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.
Chain Rialto: Each Shoot Holds A Memory
Shane Reynolds is a photographer based in New York City. He began at 17, using his grandmas garage as a “studio” and is now unstoppable!
Armando Terrero: A Future World
Armando Terrero, fashion photographer from the Dominican Republic in Barcelona, combines analogue and digital photography to create true art.
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.
Agustin Hernandez: In A Fragile Space
We talked with Mexican-American photographer Agustin Hernandez and the inspiration of new cities, his childhood and a Catholic mother.
Zeno Spyropoulos: Young And Renegade
We're in love with Zeno Spyropoulos, a Berlin-based photographer, who has just published his first photography book, Young And Renegade.
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.
Jacopo Paglione: Make Us Feel Safe
Jacopo Paglione, a photographer from Rome, understands how to truly communicate and the results are full of trust, intimacy and respect.
Ian M: Don’t Tell Anyone I Was Here
Barcelona-based photographer Ian M shows us his exclusive series Don't Tell Anyone I Was Here exploring the ideas of voyeurism and pleasure.
Gaëtan Dubroca: La Lumière Tentante
Delightful, delicious, beautiful, seductive, vulnerable... There are many words to describe the work of Thibault Gaëtan Dubroca, French photographer and painter.
Shen Wei: Almost Naked
The Shanghai-born, New York-based photographer Shen Wei created the series Almost Naked by taking portraits of strangers in America.
Yan Yufeng: Boy Comfort Zoom
Chinese artist Yang Yufeng, based in Milan and Shanghai, explores modern masculinity in his ongoing long-term project Boy Comfort Zoom.
Andrew Kung: The All-American Book
Andrew Kung, based in Brooklyn, NY, is a photographer who, through his images, aims to portray and celebrate Asian American beauty.
Anne-Sophie Guillet: Gender Roles Are Dead
Anne-Sophie Guillet, Brussels-based photographer, shows what it means to make gender roles fluid, or better: to make gender roles obsolete.
Arden: Seres / Beings
Today we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with Arden and their wonderful photo series, Seres / Beings, showing the beauty of each individual.
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.
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.
Christian Ruess: The Salt On Your Skin
Container Love’s founder Christian Ruess hopped on a plane and shot his newest editorial on the azure shores of Lanzarote.
Asaf Einy: Summer Holiday
Asaf Einy is a photographer and video artist based in Tel-Aviv. We invited him to celebrate our Summer of Love with us.
Kostis Fokas: California Dreaming
The Summer of Love continues with Kostis Fokas' latest feature on our website, California Dreaming. The series was shot in California in 2019.
Steve Marais: Summer Sun And A Touch Of Hope
Steve Marais, photographer living between Berlin and Bern, has opened his archive for us and allows us to enjoy some summer memories.
Annika Weertz: Kiss Me I’m Golden Pt. 1
Annika Weertz follows the Danish rock band Pacific Swell to shed light on the emotional connection and individuals of the band.
Carlos Darder: Island Kids
Carlos Darder is a photographer from Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Join us in spending a day on the beach with him!
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