The Flaming Photography of Luis Pedro de Castro: Post-Porn + Non-Normative
With the belief that “normality is an excuse for the unimaginative,” queer contemporary photographer, Luis Pedro de Castro lovingly shoots Spanish post-porn, non-heteronormative life with a gritty, gargantuan lens. This week, de Castro’s gender fluid photography is featured in a story by El Altos? in Q&A style, regarding the gender thematics in his work and life.
Luis Pedro de Castro, “bipolar” self portrait
“Most of my pictures are a combination of sexuality and raw colors mixed with a total lack of respect for photography rules, meaning that the pictures I take correspond to an intimate, chaotic, and in my perspective, more natural look at individuals,” said de Castro in a release. “All pictures are made with people who have an active part in my life, whom I thank for opening up the window of their private life and allow me recreate a prejudice-free perspective on real life.”
While studying photography in Barcelona, de Castro who was born in Guimarães, Portugal in 1981, decided to dedicate himself to the portrayal of gender fluid interpretations in post porn theory and performance. He began manipulating his photographs using digital software to achieve an aesthetic inspired by Renaissance painting and as a way to create visual consistency from photos taken with multiple cameras that he borrows from friends.
And today, his take on artistry is derivative of his belief in sex as a form of spirituality.
“In life, when we look at sexuality as a dirty deviant behavior, it’s a reflection on our own cultural and emotional barriers,” de Castro said. “As we keep growing and evolving we realize those constructs are flawed and preconceived. It’s an opportunity that allows us to enhance our lives with more than carnal delight, and transcend from pornography to the divine.”
de Castro currently resides in Barcelona. Most recently, his work has been exhibited in “Uncensored Exhibition,” at the Lesley Lohman Annex in New York City; Featured in P3, Lisbon, Portugal; Festival Maga, Caldas da Rainha in Portugal; and “Mom, can my friends come over?” at Guimarães Noc Noc, Guimarães in Portugal. Video from Noc Noc is below.
How would you describe you work?
A contemporary look at sexuality, and gender fluid individuals.
Annie Sprinkle’s wedding by Luis Pedro de Castro
What your most favorite creation?
I would say that one of the most exciting to shoot was the Wedding of Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens in Barcelona was über fun to do because, in my life I NEVER thought it would be possible for someone to have such an extraordinary pure and loving ceremony while receiving presents in the form of post porn performances. Describing it is very hard, better just look at the pictures. I’m sure that you will find your wedding one of the most boring things ever …
Which artists do you like the most and why?
I adore the work of some classics like Whitkin, Caravaggio and other renascence painters which I try to insert into my work being it composition wise or through the color palette and I also admire the purity of edgy artists like Erwin Olaf, Lachapelle, Bruce Labruce, and especially Nan Goldin for the genuine look at somewhat private and emotional moments.
Tell me something crazy about yourself.
I can read hands, and I’m a reiki master who makes people feel so comfortable with themselves that they ask me to take pictures of them having sex.
About the Author
Wild Gender is an online magazine and creative hub born out of gratitude for the gift of full expression. We are dedicated to creative practices that celebrate gender fluidity, identity and expression. Wild Gender prioritizes visual art, creative writing, and journalistic work by trans/gender-variant individuals who have never before been published in a public venue. Run entirely by volunteers,we are always in search of writers, thinkers, and creators hoping to participate in our growing community.
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