Male, queer or not, nudity in art is quite rare in ‘socially acceptable’ art. Sexualized male art even rarer. So when Thanh tipped me the exhibition ‘Unusual experiences‘ at Everyday Gallery in Antwerp, showcasing, work by Florian Hetz, I went to have a look. 

Florian Hetz (°1980) is a Berlin-based artist who initially embarked on a career in theater. However, his path took a different turn when he encountered memory loss due to encephalitis in 2007, the biography on his website reveals. 

“In an effort to counteract this loss, Hetz turned to photography as a means of documenting his daily experiences during the recovery process. What started as a photographic diary gradually evolved into a creative exploration of memory itself.”

“By capturing images based on his memories, or the absence thereof, Hetz delves into the subjective nature of recollection. Through his work, he explores the fragmented and elusive nature of memory, offering viewers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the mind.”

“Hetz’s artistic endeavors have resulted in the publication of three books, showcasing his unique perspective and artistic vision. His work has been widely exhibited both in group and solo shows, gaining international recognition for its evocative and thought-provoking nature.”

“Currently residing and working in Berlin, Hetz continues to push the boundaries of photographic expression, inviting audiences to reflect on the intricacies of memory and personal experience through his captivating visual narratives.”

Unusual experiences

Mamali Shafahi (°1982) curated ‘Unusual experiences’. “Hetz draws similarities between his human and non-human subjects through compositional and stylistic consistency, allowing these non-human subjects the same tenderness and tactility as their counterparts. In doing so, he establishes a link between these seemingly unrelated subjects. Through his subjects and their framing, Hetz counters socio-cultural conventions of portraiture as well as challenging and playing with the idea of masculinity as derived from a heteronormative framework. Consequently, he facilitates a space wherein the viewer can navigate these themes in a meaningful way.”, the introduction by Ruben Stoffelen explains the exhibition.

And indeed, the photos exhibited not only show men, but also the ocean, a statue, a parking lot, asparagus.

An unusual experience

It’s no secret I love male nude art. There’s not enough of it in the (semi) pub(l)ic space. So I am enthusiast when I see a photo of fellatio, a peeing penis, a wet black cock. I won’t post them here. Even WordPress, being all liberal, is quite prude. 

But you can see the collection here. 

I would recommend a visit to the gallery though. The exhibition lasts until 3 September. The ‘unachieved’ feel of the exhibition space, the walls and the floor being painted in the same white give an impression of infinity. 

Practical information and opening times.
Interview with Florian Hetz.

Queerness and art

• ANTWERP | Discovering queer(ed) art with the Queer Tour at the KMSKA fine arts museum.
• PARIS 2022 | ‘Oh! Charley, Charley, Charley…’ by Charles Ray pushes male sexuality from the bottom to the top.
• MSK Gent – Museum of Fine Arts Ghent introduces LGBTQ+ tour.
• British National LGBTQ+ Museum at London’s Granary Square, King’s Cross.
• REVIEW | David Hockney double exhibition at Bozar Brussels’ arts museum.
• ANTWERP | Geert De Weyer Gallery, a space for illustrators’ and comic strip authors’ art.
• City chronicle ‘De kleur van de stad maakt mijn ziel amoureus’ recounts Queer Antwerp history.
• ‘Masculinities: Liberation through Photography’ exhibition at FOMU, Antwerp’s photography museum.
• Antwerp’s LGBTQI bookshop Kartonnen Dozen looking for a new home.
• Antwerp’s LGBTQI+ bookshop Kartonnen Dozen wins Çavaria Media Award.
• BRUSSELS | Exploring gay intimacy and sexuality at ‘In The Mood For Love’ exhibition.
• Bums out in Saint Petersburg.
• Exposing nudity at the British Museum.