The Ledward Centre in Brighton prepares to welcome the audacious work of Romain Berger, a celebrated French photographer known for his sex-positive and super-queer artistry. The Normandy-born artist’s touring exhibit, ‘All You Need Is Love,’ delivers a voyeuristic peek into the stylized private lives of his fictional subjects. The exhibit is slated to open on Monday, May 15, and will run until Wednesday, June 21.
The Catalysts and Influences
Berger’s work, vibrant and unapologetically queer, draws influence from the staging of renowned photographer David Lachapelle and the colour aestheticism of director Gregg Araki. The exhibit emerges as a celebration of life, love, and freedom of expression, a tribute to the complexities of our world and its deepest desires.
The Underlying Message
Stripping away the public facade, Berger’s work seeks to expose our hidden vices and secrets, critiquing the hypocrisy of a patriarchal society steeped in political correctness. As Berger himself explains, his art offers an avenue to not only explore and express these realities but also challenge the clichés about homosexuals imposed by a persistently homophobic society.
Queer Representation in Art
Berger’s exhibit is more than just a collection of photographs; it’s a statement against societal norms, reflecting the LGBT community in a backdrop of vibrant, quirky, tender, and erotic settings. It is a visual journey that invites viewers to embrace the notion that “life has no rules, we are the only masters of our game.” Thus, ‘All You Need Is Love’ is a testament to the power of art in challenging stereotypes and fostering a richer understanding of queer culture.