VOYEUR: Stories, portraits and sex a photographic & film exhibition by Matt Ford features a new collection of stories and portraits featuring a diverse mix of subjects who were willing to open up about their private and often unique sex lives. From sex workers to giant inflatable kink fans, these stories and portraits are intended to inspire questions about sexuality and sexual practices that are often maligned or pushed to the fringes.
As well as photographic portraits the collection also has short video portraits of some of the subjects. The videos included conversations about how pleasure, pain, consent, self-acceptance and personal experiences all contribute to unique sexualities and kinks. Most of the work at the exhibition will be on sale as limited edition prints.
VOYEUR is an unapologetic look at sexuality. Often through the guise of kink, fetish and the fashion scene that follows it. I wanted to create an exhibition that was not only body positive but also tries to break down any stigma and mystery around diverse sexual practices. Thus the work has become a celebration of sexual identity itself. As people’s attitudes towards sex have become increasingly liberal, I wanted to explore what sexual practices are still taboo for this generation, and what the future of sexuality holds. Through my process, I’ve also learnt how bodies and minds, that don’t always fit society’s expectations, have learnt to navigate and be empowered by their sexuality.
Matt Ford
Matt Ford, VOYEUR, 28th Nov – 4th December, Espacio Gallery (See mattfordstudio.com for times)
Private View: 29th Nov 7:30pm – 9pm.* All welcome. Book Tickets HERE
*followed by a secret party at 23 Paul Street
About the artist
Matt Ford is a Liverpool-born photographer and artist. This is his second exhibition in London and sixth nationally. Last year Matt had a residency photographic exhibition called “Prints for Queers’ in queer venue Dalston Superstore featuring London’s most loved queer performers. The exhibition helped raise money for Queer charity Rainbow Railroad
The exhibition continued: The exhibition will continue and different work will be on display for the foreseeable future at female managed strip club, 23 Paul street. 23 Paul Street is a strip club with the belief that for too long the narrative around striptease has been created by everyone except the women who do it, and it’s time for that to change. This club is run by women who believe they have the right to make money however they want. It’s focused on being a non-judgmental, sex-positive space that caters to new audiences as well as the traditional male gaze. With world-class performers, premium hospitality and amazing music, it’s about creating an atmosphere that is seductive but also open, honest, and unlike any other in the sector. www.23paulstreet.com
THE SEX WORKERS FORUM:
Hosted by Joshua Graham, four sex workers will be on a panel discussing important issues and ideas about the sex industry. Topics such as censorship, law, safety, public opinion and health care will be discussed. Speakers will also be sharing experiences from the front line. This event will be filmed for publication on mattfordstudio.com The sex workers have been carefully chosen to represent experiences from a diverse mix of types of Sex-work, gender, sex and race. 10% of all art sales on this day and a collection will be made to donate to the Terrence Higgins Trust to mark World Aids day 2022.
The Sex workers’ forum: 1st Dec 7:30pm -9:00 Book here
