- CollegeLondon College of Communication
- CourseMA Photography
- Graduation year2025
subspace draws parallels between the archetypal BDSM Master/slave (M/s) relationship and that which exists between photographer, camera, and subject - questioning who has agency. Here, the self-portrait is used to explore personal identity and power dynamics. It allows the artist to be both photographer and subject, enabling full control over the work and its creation. Ultimately, it is the submissive partner who has agency. Christian demonstrates this in his bedroom by performing for the camera as if it were his Master. With this, Christian proposes that this power dynamic can be applied to portraiture.
Final work
Agency
A mirror reflects the camera's gaze, revealing my self-portrait in traditional BDSM submissive clothing. Whilst performing as the submissive, it is I who is in control.
Submission
To show servitude, I kneel on the floor in a traditional submissive pose. Submitting to the camera.
Presenting
Embodying a traditional submissive pose, I present myself for the camera.
This pose is often used for the dominant to inspect their submissive.
Conflict
This photograph focuses on the internal conflict I have experienced with this identity. With a large empty space taking up the image to show the scale of the conflict.
Research and process
Subspace (zine)
This zine accompanies the work, delving deeper into the archetypal M/s relationship and the term "subspace".
During the 20th century kink and fetish events would screenprint posters and leaflets to advertise their events. I wanted to reference this by screenprinting this zine and as a way to mass produce the work.
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