Forms Of Intimacy: A Celebration Of Pride features work by internationally acclaimed photographers known for their work in reconsidering sexuality representation and self expression. They include Pregnant Man, shot by Steven Klein, that originally appeared in cutting edge publication Candy Magazine, as well as Matt Lambert's tender closeups of couples, Ryan McGinley's naturist survivalists, Lanee Bird's bondage fantasy and Willy Vanderperre's tender punk portraits. Each has tackled the theme of queer intimacy, tackling the preconceptions that exist around so-called ‘alternative’ lifestyles.
For instance, Clifford Prince King sees his photography as a way to validate "LGBTQ+ folks as pioneers and cultural shifters" while Heather Glazzard’s images gently usher trans subjects into the spotlight. Laurence Philomène’s autobiographical work features a striking nude portrait in Iceland and allows them to discuss how marginalised individuals can now tell their own stories. Emmie America’s images speak of the resistance queer people will always put up against governmental or societal oppression - in her own words "each other is all we've got."
The auction, hosted by Sotheby’s at Sothebys.com, will run between 15-30 June and shows the multitude of ways in which identity can be asserted. "The many versions of intimacy shown in this art benefit project demonstrates that LGBTQIA+ people have achieved so much, though there remains much work to do," says Shai Baitel, Artistic Director. "Indeed, LGBTQIA+ youth and young people are an extremely vulnerable population whose situation has been made even more precarious by the isolation and stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds raised by Forms of Intimacy will thus support Camp Felix Pride, demonstrating the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility in the form of inclusive initiatives like this."
‘Equinox’s creative inspiration is realised through diverse storytelling across various art forms and culture,” says Will Mayer, Executive Creative Director. "We welcome and encourage self-expression within our community to create a place of belonging, where people are themselves. We have a long history of working with iconic photographers who share this vision and spark dialogue with their approach to celebrating pop-culture through their work."
Forms of Intimacy: A Celebration of Pride presented by Equinox runs from June 21st – 30th at Sotheby’s New York, 1334 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States. Online Auction runs until 30 June 2022 4pm EDT, New York Sothebys.com.
