This week, photographer Matt Spike released a series of photographs that depicted men in a variety of disturbing positions that represent the darker side of London’s sex/drugs scene. The men can be seen “slamming” (injecting), engaging in sexual contact and in a state of psychosis.
But the question that arose from his artwork was, is it forcing people to look at a world around them, which they perhaps don’t wish to see? Or are they simply a controversial call for attention that glamourises addiction? The fact is, there is some sort of sexiness to the images – but Spike claims he wanted to encapture that, otherwise how would other people understand the appeal. Which is a good point. The thought-provoking images opened a discussion led by David Stuart (56 Dean Street), that saw the room talking about the increasing rise of ChemSex in London – something that has also been popular in New York.
At the end of the day, Spike’s photographs can be interpreted in a number of ways but I believe the importance here is that people are talking about it. ChemSex may feel amazing at the time, with your sky high confidence and diminishing inhibitions – both of which are fuelled by that baggie you’re clutching to – but ultimately it’s a form of self-destruction. Whether that refers to the comedown that follows for x amount of days/weeks, the detrimental damage to ones self-esteem, a disconnection from meaningful contact or the pure physical stress your body suffers, is moot.
It was a brave move to put these images on display – and was always going to be something that welcomed a mix response, but whether you disagree with Matt’s form of communication, there is definitely a message there. A message, that if we want to avoid a destruction of our society, needs to not be ignored.
If you’d like to see more of his work, or this series, visit: mattspikephoto.com.
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>> Fighting The Vacuum & The Allure Of The Gay Scene
>> Chasing The High: When Is It Time To Stop?
>> The “Age of Grindr”: Why The Apps Have Lost Their Novelty
