Monday, May 08, 2006

ROUGH STUFF by Ohm Phanphiroj

In intoxicating colors, this large-format 48-page photo book gathers together stark portraits of boys on the edge of youth. Gay or straight, the boundaries aren’t clearly defined, and these categories hardly seem to play a role in the sensual world of the photographer. As aggressive as Nan Goldin’s photography and as haunting as Jack Pierson’s. The photographer records the tingling eroticism of his rebellious, disillusioned boys in perfectly formed and very personal snapshots; under the shower, eating and very often pissing. His prosaic, documentary point of view produces a direct and provocative image, bringing the viewer close to events. These brilliant behind-the-scenes images could make you want to leave your own world behind and share in these boys’ lives.