Queer reflections on Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden:

This project and accompanying exegesis consider the evolution of the Gay, nude male analogue photograph, bringing to the fore a personalised reflection on the work of Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden. It contexualizes and investigates (from a queer perspective) issues of the pose and gaze, and revisits some of Von Gloeden s constructions and technological concerns. These issues are then creatively synthesized into the production of a contemporary nude, male calendar. The photographs use self-identifying gay men as models. The artwork explores the potential of a range of increasingly anachronistic technologies [cyanotype, letter press and treatments of the analogue negative] to produce a print-based artefact that reflects upon notions of male grace, obscurification and the gaze.

Autorentext

Xavier has been involved in photography for more than 40 years, has developed and written modules for a Tertiary Course in Black and White analogue photography (main medium), currently teaching elements from this course adapted for Digital Photography and Design applications at community art centres and adult community education programmes.