(NSFW) In the Spotlight | Mikel Marton

Mikel Marton’s photography first caught my eye over a year ago on the ever-expanding social networking site DList. Perhaps it had something to do with his unabashed eroticism that elevated the male form beyond both the traditional nude and pornography. The Montreal-based artist has shown his work here in NYC with the Envoy Gallery and continues to busy himself with a wide variety of projects, both behind the lens and elsewhere. His strong aesthetic and unique vision recently earned him well-deserved recognition in David Leddick’s new book The Nude Male: 21st Century Visions (we’ll give you a peek inside shortly). Let’s dig a little deeper into his work as we shine the spotlight this week on Mikel.

S: Thanks for taking the time to chat. It’s interesting to dig into the story behind the artist, so let’s start off by you telling us about the first time you picked up a camera and knew you wanted to be a photographer.

MM: I’ve always been creating things since I was very young, and using visuals with highly sexualized content, as far back as I can remember. I was more so interested in illustration and painting, back then. Photography was too realistic of a medium for me, and as an escapist, naturally, I wanted to escape that and create my own debaucherous reality. Finally, when I had private access to a professional camera through class, and started to turn the lens on myself (and later, on other subjects) in an erotic context, everything changed for me. I was probably 16, and somehow I had opened up a world where I could literally show you what I imagine without the imperfect lines of my paintings. It really settled in a few years later during my first year in college, and I dropped out to pursue it. Up until then I was going to be a screen-writer, or a sex therapist.

S: When and why did you decide that you were going to focus on male nude photography for your portfolio?

MM: Well, it started with self-portraits, when I was far too young to be taking self-made erotica, and eventually it developed from there. Erotica as activism really appealed to me, especially regarding de-demonizing the male body. I could do something for “the cause” and satisfy my own exhibitionism, but I also found out that I could do so much more using other models, as well. The further I explored, the more I realized that the process really satisfied me. I enjoyed meeting the models, undressing them and turning them into characters of my own twisted psycho-sexuality. It’s become kind of an obsession.

S: Unlike a lot of photographers who shoot nudes, you model for a lot of your own work. How do you think this influences your approach to nude photography as a whole?

MM: Entirely backwards. I take the poison first. I think my comfort inspires others, potential models and fans alike. It’s kind of a fearless approach, I like to test what I can get away with. In this case, I use my body as a vehicle for my creative sexuality just as I use the bodies of others. It’s very natural to me, I wouldn’t do it another way.

WARNING: NSFW IMAGES CONTINUED AFTER THE JUMP.

S: How do you go about selecting your models?

MM: They find me a lot of the time. It’s hard to approach somebody and be like ‘I want to make you into a clown with an erection, with helium balloons attached to your testicles. Would you mind?’ It’s hard for me to be subtle, even when I try. So people have to see my work first, and then they come to me. I rather have people get it, and share a piece of my obsession. Then of course, I have to see them nude and decide where and if they fit into my vision. My photos start as illustrations, and if they are the type of boy I would pen out of my head, then I will probably end up photographing them.

S: Do you think that the proliferation of social networking sites has made people more exhibitionistic and therefore more likely to model for nude photography?

MM: Absolutely. The young have definitely inherited the Earth, and are far more self aware of their sexualities than ever before. The Internet has unified this awareness into one diverse voice. Definitely an exciting time to be doing erotic photography and network with a group of people who are no longer afraid to express themselves.

S: Do you ever have to seduce your models out of their clothing?

MM: Pshaw. They are dying to undress for me.

S: In your online bio you mention that you’re inspired by mythology. What kind of mythology are you trying to create with your work?

MM: I’m a terrible nerd, and mythology is another obsession of mine. I like to amplify the spirit with the flesh, in much of my work. That’s what mythology is all about– These avatars of spirit, shaped into these naked, gloriously beautiful beings, and representing aspects of both heaven and earth alike. I love to create my own gods, and my own mythology; I see great parallels with sexuality and spirituality, and am fascinated by the idea that they might be the same.

S: How is the artistic community in Montreal?

MM: It’s quite varied. A bit “Scene” for me at times, but relatively open to my sort of work.

S: Do you travel to NYC very often?

MM: Not as often as I would like… But for specific projects, yes, especially when travel expenses are included.

S: It looks like you’ve had a number of non-photography related projects recently. Tell us a little about what’s going on beyond the lens.

MM: My beautiful partner, and designer, Colin Seymour and I have founded a burlesque troupe of a sort, aptly christened, “Bad Taste Burlesque”. It’s a bit new wave, and a hot combination of sexually varied performance art with often offensive inspirations. We want to annihilate what one would expect when going to a burlesque show, while still making making it both entertaining and arousing. It’s not “Gay Burlesque”, but it’s definitely not straight. We’re currently working on our second production with a rather controversial theme– but that’s going to have to be a surprise.

S: Any plans for another show in NYC sometime soon or maybe a book for our coffee tables?

MM: Other than currently working on my own book, I have select works coming out this fall/winter in David Leddick’s Nude Male Next, and in Grafucked, a compilation of erotic art in a “coffee-table book”. As for more details on these and other publications/exhibitions, you will just have to check my website, or blog when I can give out more information.

S: Anything else that you’d like our readers to know?

MM: The frenum of my cock has been pierced since I was 14 yrs. old, and it just fell out!

S: And on that note, I think we’re out too! Thanks Mikel.

For past installments of In the Spotlight, click on the links below:

Ryan Pfluger | Jeffrey Kilmer | Luigi y Luca