New York City-based photographer Matthew Morrocco's latest project involves inserting himself into his intimate portraits of gay men.
The role he occupies in each portrait varies; sometimes he functions as the subject's romantic partner, other times he plays the role of their former selves. Regardless of the hat he is wearing, Morrocco's involvement in the project also reveals nuances and complexities within his own personality and conception of self.
The project was built on mutual trust and respect. Once the clothes were shed, the mental and emotional barriers followed suit, leaving the interaction between Morrocco and his subjects pure and authentic. The trustful environment allowed Morrocco the ability to explore not only intimacy and sexuality, but also what connects generations young and old.
Intimate Gay Portraits
Matthew Morrocco Inserts Himself into His Portraits of Gay Men
Trend Themes
1. Intimate Gay Portraits - Capturing intimate moments in portraits of gay men blurs the line between photographer and subject, creating opportunities for self-expression and self-exploration.
2. Self-insertion Photography - Photographers inserting themselves into their portraits offers a unique perspective and challenges traditional notions of objectivity and distance.
3. Exploring Generational Connections - Using photography to explore the connections between different generations of gay men uncovers shared experiences and offers opportunities for intergenerational dialogue.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - The photography industry can explore new forms of self-expression by blurring the boundaries between photographer and subject in intimate portraits.
2. Art - In the art industry, self-insertion photography can challenge traditional notions of authorship and create thought-provoking and boundary-pushing art pieces.
3. LGBTQ+ Advocacy - Using photography to explore generational connections in the LGBTQ+ community can foster understanding, empathy, and dialogue, leading to positive social change.