GAYLETTER

Benjamin Fredrickson, a New York City-based artist originally from Minneapolis, opens his first solo exhibition at Daniel Cooney Fine Art in Chelsea on January 8. His show features “unique polaroid photographs” that document his years as a sex worker in the Midwest, his community of gay men, and his private sexual life. As the press release states the constant theme throughout this body of work “is the longing for, and sometimes the event, of human connection.” 

In his images you’ll find lots of thrilling nudity and fetish content. We had the chance to ask the artist a few questions and he was generous enough to share with us a preview of what to expect in the exhibition, which is running until February 28, 2014.

When did you take your first photograph?  Many years ago, my interest in photography began when I was a teenager, in high school.

Why did you decided to document your sex life?  I was interested in documenting my queer community and my personal experiences, the sex part comes with it.

Do you only shoot film?  Yes. I shoot on film using various medium and large format cameras. For this project I shot on Polaroid instant pack film.  I studied photography and was taught by amazing instructors on how to create a photograph using conventional analog photography methods.

How long were you a sexual worker for? Are you still a sexual worker? No, I am not a sex worker any longer, that was done years ago before moving to NYC.  I’ve worked at a grocery store, been a sex worker and a salesperson for Opening Ceremony. Those were all jobs. I learned a lot from all of them and forever grateful for the life experience that they have provided me.

What do you think separates your work from other artists creating provocative homo erotic work? By being a subject and not just a witness. Using the “erotic” to spread a broader message of awareness, the stigmas attached to sex work and HIV within the queer community and beyond, it’s for everyone. Also I am a professional photographer with a degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Aside from that I think it’s really based on perspective and life experience.

What is it exactly that attracts you to nudity? I’m attracted to the level of trust and respect that comes from a subject when they agree to be photographed nude, at their most vulnerable.  Nudity isn’t the only impetus of this project but it is vital.  I strive to capture an honest portrayal of the person I am photographing. I put myself in front of the camera, not out of vanity but to experience what my subject experiences. Quite simply it’s only fair to do what you ask of others, so I photograph myself out of respect for my subject. I strive for authenticity and emotion when photographing nudity.

 
Do you have a muse? I consider everyone that I photograph a muse. I also revisit and rephotograph my subjects.  The passage of time and it’s relationship to the body is beautiful to me.

What other artists do you admire? I admire all artists who are brave and make work that provokes critical dialogue. I really admire Larry Sultan‘s work, especially his project “Pictures from Home,” he created amazing photographs of his parent’s during their retirement, exploring ideas of love and sociology. I also admire William Klein for his groundbreaking photography and films, his courage for challenging racism within the fashion industry with his editorial work.

Where and when were you happiest? I’m happiest in the present moment and when I think of the future.  I’ve never been happier actually.

What do you want people to take away from your work? I hope to create a thoughtful dialogue and that people will take a closer look beyond the surface and deeper into what the work represents. My work isn’t for the queer community, it’s for everyone.

Below is a preview of images from the current exhibition: