David Collins presents a provocative and erotic body of work in his exhibition entitled ‘White Rhino’.
Collins utilises the medium of photography to explore the notion of hedonism and more specifically, the modern concept of the ‘Responsible Hedonist’; that is, the appearance of hedonism as a disguise for masking the everyday anxieties experienced by a generation. His elaborately constructed scenes form a complex and rich narrative, exuding lush opulence and richness of texture in scenes reminiscent of the opium dens of days gone by.
His achingly beautiful and nubile subjects cavort languidly within indulgent sets lined with fur and finery in a defiant manifestation of excess and sensuality. David goes on to explain, “The objective of the work is to create an immersive experience for the audience that will make them an active voyeur, someone who is overwhelmed and swallowed by the work, and who through their curiosity chooses to look further and see more.
The intention is that photography will support the illusion of ‘truth’ evoking empathy from the audience, further provoking curiosity. It is through ‘gazing’ at the series of images that a filmic narrative is built like a scene that lingers. The camera’s ability to capture the essence of time in the work gives the impression that everything visually stands very still allowing for a consuming gaze where the ‘eye becomes a prosthetic device to roam around the image petting and exploring the tactile’ until, the static nature of the bodies transform from erotic into a state of normality.”
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