Step into the vibrant world of My Romantic Ideal, an evocative queer photography exhibition curated by the visionary Slava Mogutin. This dynamic showcase invites you to explore the intersections of intimacy, desire, and identity amid an increasingly polarised cultural landscape, where state-sponsored, religious, and corporate homophobia loom large.
In this compelling collection, 28 emerging and established photographers boldly confront the complexities of love and lust. They occupy spaces where fantasy blurs with reality, transforming the body into a canvas of pleasure and protest. Each artist presents a unique vision, offering a kaleidoscopic perspective on queer romance that challenges societal norms and transcends traditional boundaries.
Open until August 31, 2025
Location: The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division
Address: The LGBTQ+ Community Centre, 208 W 13th Street, NYC 10011
The exhibition’s title encapsulates the tension between conventional romantic ideals and the personal, rebellious expressions of love that define queer experiences. Historically dictated by heteronormative frameworks, romance is here reimagined and fully reclaimed through a queer lens. Expect to see works that interrogate, queer, and redefine the concept of romanticism, encompassing everything from intimate portraiture to raw, unfiltered narratives.
As Slava Mogutin describes it, “As a curator, I aimed to gather a selection of artists whose work resonates with the complexities of queer love, desire, and identity in their many forms. These photographers are not simply documenting a queer reality—they are creating new paradigms of romanticism, fueled by their journeys and passions.” Together, these remarkable artists foster an intergenerational dialogue about the politics of love and the transformative power of queer eroticism.
My Romantic Ideal is more than an exhibition of photography; it’s a bold declaration affirming the myriad ways in which we, as queer artists, claim and redefine love—on our terms. Join us for this introspective celebration of contradictions, joys, and struggles that make queer romance so compelling.
Don’t miss your chance to witness this groundbreaking exhibition, which runs until August 31, 2025, at The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division. Experience the power of queer art and the passionate narratives that unfold within it.
www.instagram.com/slavamogutin
Till August 31, 2025
Opening reception: Thursday, May 1, 6-8 PM
The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division
The LGBTQ+ Community Centre
208 W 13th Street, NYC 10011
@lgbtcenternyc @bgsqd
Featured Artists
Alejandro Ruiz (US-Mexico) @alexandroruixx
Ben Prince (US) @benprinceusa
Benjamin Fredrickson (US) @benjaminfredrickson2
Brian Kenny (US) @briankennny
Bruce LaBruce (Canada) @brucelabruce
Cameron Lee Phan (Vietnam-US) @cameronleephan
Carter Peabody (US-Mexico) @carter_pbd
Donovan Quiroz (Mexico) @dnvn1
Francis Schichtel (US) @francis_schichtel
Gerardo Vizmanos (Spain-Germany) @gerardovizmanos
Gio Black Peter (Guatemala-US) @gioblackpeter11
Jan Wandrag (South Africa-US) @janwandrag
Łukasz Leja (Poland-US) @lukaszleja
Luke Abby (UK-Germany) @lukeabby
Matt Lambert (US-Germany) @dielamb
Miguel Villalobos (Venezuela-US) @miguelvillalobosnyc
Paul Mpagi Sepuya (US) @pagmi
Quil Lemons (US) @quillemons
Robert Flynt (US) @robertflyntfoto
Ross Collab (US) @rosscollab
Scott Hug (US) @mr._hug
Slava Mogutin (Russia-US) @slavamogutin
Stanley Stellar (US) @stellar.fse
Stuart Sandford (UK-Mexico) @stuartsandford
Tom Bianchi (US) @tombianchi
Tony Solis (Mexico) @tonysolisyosoy
Tyler Matthew Oyer (US) @tmostudio
Victor Jeffreys II (US) @victorjeffreysii
