DYLAN KELLEHER-J DAVIES-KARLO MARTINEZ

SMUT is an uncensored insight into the artistic practices of Dylan Kelleher, J Davies, and Karlo Martinez. It is not only a reclamation of the derogatory, but also a revolt against society’s ongoing censorship of queer bodies and sexuality. Cover picture by Dylan K. SMUT – an exhibition of contemporary (homo)erotica and queer aesthetics / Opens in 122 Gertrude st, Fitzroy, Melbourne on the 19th of November.

“As queer people today we are often celebrated in the mainstream but at the expense of our sexuality. The gay best friend, the cousin, the gay high school student finding himself are the new non-threatening archetypes for a ‘woke’ heteronormative audience. SMUT resonated with me as a queer man because it worked within the reality of the actual gay experience, it’s not diluted down for ‘allies’ or families who have swaddled their children in rainbow flags for an evening.” —Andy Kelly Director, Oigåll Projects

Through collaborative and individual exploration, Dylan, J Davies, and Karlo (a.k.a. the “SMUT Collective”) have established a cohesive study of contemporary homoeroticism, queer intimacy, and aesthetics. Utilising various photographic processes, the artists playfully investigate themes of voyeurism and exhibitionism—seeing and being seen—and often incorporate themselves into their work, subverting the role of the audience and offering personal narratives within their individual practices.

SMUT, their first collaborative exhibition, functions as a space for rebellious queer voices and visions to echo loudly, shamelessly, and unapologetically.

“My photography is in constant evolution of self through time and currently stands as an exploration of sexuality and body empowerment. I aim to portray an alluring and unapologetic portrait of my life and fascinations in a beautifully sexual and non-sexual dichotomy.” – Dylan Kelleher

“My compositions depict a stylized, tongue-in- cheek, sticking-my-tongue-out-at-society view of my sexuality.” – Karlo Martinez

“My voice as an artist is constantly being censored and diluted so that it is palatable, so that my queerness is soft enough for society to swallow. My art is an extension of myself, my identity and my existence and should not need to be innocuous in order for it to be accepted or valid.” – J Davies