London based photographer, Ezekiel, has released the first iteration of their erotic photo book series, Smut, Volume 1: Transgressions.
Through its pages, Ezekiel turns a lens onto the role and perception of sex work, asking us all to question the ways in which female sexuality and queerness is perceived in society.
The project was first devised around two years ago during the photographer’s final year of University at London College of Fashion. While working on their thesis, Ezekiel decided to examine the topic of “alternative queer pornography” and, specifically, how lesbian directors were creating a “new wave of films which undermined the problematic tropes and representation of female sexuality found in commercial adult films catered for a straight audience.” This inquest continued and, throughout their research, Ezekiel started to question their own gaze: “the queer gaze” and a means of celebrating female sexuality, rather than objectifying it – which is something we’ve long laid witness to over the years. As such, Ezekiel’s mission was born and Smut, Volume 1: Transgressions began.
The book demonstrates both Ezekiel’s style as well as shots which step outside of their comfort zone. The photographer’s subjects are often close friends of Ezekiel’s such as Miss A, a dominatrix enthusiast they met online.
Another memorable shoot is with Sasha Swan, who appears both at the beginning and end of the book. Sasha is an adult film star and also one of Ezekiel’s oldest and closest friends; they’ve known each other since the age of 12. You’ll see Sasha in the beginning sequence, where the camera zooms in on her midriff as she arches her back. This image is mirrored with a shot of a laptop, video camera attached to the top. In the closing pages, we see pictures of Sasha’s second breast augmentation surgery. It was shot casually in the living room of Ezekiel’s family home in Brighton. The intimacy of their friendship provides a unique lens on the adult actress one that if friendly and vulnerable but situated in a warm and safe space.
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Copyright © Ezekiel, 2021
