In this nude series titled Bare, photographer Adam Moco seeks to dismantle the rampant body shaming and problematic standards that are ever-present in the queer male community. His longing for empowerment started back in 2013 when he utilized hookup apps such as Grindr, Scruff, and Tinder to find subjects for his portrait series Tryst Pic. His goal was to photograph men in natural and candid ways to highlight individuality and show the genuine personalities that are often lost behind cyber profiles. During his research, he became increasingly disturbed by the list of preferences seen in select online profiles, such as statements like “no fats” or “no femmes.”
“I don’t believe most people who list harsh preferences on their profiles would ever turn to another human being in the flesh and say, ‘sorry, no fats’ or ‘no femmes’ or ‘no Asians.'”
Moco explains, “what concerns me is users whose online dating profiles are restrictive and blatantly rude in how they project preferences. I don’t think there is anything wrong with having sexual preferences, but I do think the way certain preferences are expressed is wrong. I think it has become easy to hide behind technology and dehumanize people behind the photo. I don’t believe most people who list harsh preferences on their profiles would ever turn to another human being in the flesh and say, ‘sorry, no fats’ or ‘no femmes’ or “no Asians.” There is a difference between preferences and tastes versus outright racism, sizeism and the like, and it’s the latter that is problematic. Bare is my way of creating an inclusive platform for those who want to celebrate their bodies.”
Bare is a series of nude portraits exploring diversity in the male form through photography. Representing a wide array of subjects in exposed states, the project embodies the vulnerability and beauty of embracing one’s Bare self. Amplifying the voices of his subjects, Moco invites you to listen to recordings of the men discussing their bodies and the state of being naked.
For additional information please visit trystpic.com/bare.
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