Constructs of Desire

A REY exclusive Portrait Series, photographed in London, UK.

Concept & Photography by Alex Charovas

starring Alex Rocky

Constructs of Desire

by Alex Charovas

In the series "Constructs of Desire," my lens delves into the intricate interplay of body language, gender, and sexuality, inspired by the spirited debates ignited by Cameron and Kulick's (2003) groundbreaking work, "Language and Sexuality." This collection captures a fusion of analogue black and white and colour photography, accentuated by light leaks and a vintage aesthetic. The title itself, "Constructs of Desire," nods to the multifaceted nature of desire explored within the images.

Cameron and Kulick expanded the study of desire beyond mere sexuality, introducing the concept of ontological desire—an individual's yearning to embody or emulate qualities intrinsic to a specific identity. In the context of masculinity, this desire extends beyond societal constraints, revealing a compelling exploration of self-construction within cultural discourses.

Drawing inspiration from Stephen Whitehead's (2002) discourse on masculine ontology, the series navigates the pursuit of being and becoming masculine through performative acts. Masculinity, viewed as a social phenomenon, unfolds as a constant engagement in discursive practices that suggest and reinforce the desired identity. Through a lens of cultural discourses, the desire to construct and validate one's masculine self becomes a focal point.

The visual narratives within "Constructs of Desire" transcend traditional gender norms, as a physically powerful yet vulnerably posed male model challenges preconceptions. Portraits capture not only the details of a well-defined physique but also the adoption of feminine poses, emphasising the performative nature of desire, both ontological and interpersonal.

"Constructs of Desire" invites viewers to contemplate the multifaceted dimensions of desire, masculinity, and identity. Through a visual journey, this series challenges conventional norms, encouraging a deeper understanding of the performative acts that shape and express desire within the complex interplay of body language, gender, and sexuality.

What to watch on Netflix if you are in self-quarantine

We all have to pass from this very difficult period in order to fight Corona virus. The world is fighting, Europe is fighting, Italy is fighting…. We ALL have to follow our goverment’s instructions and stay at home.

At this difficult time we need to follow the self-quarantine rules and stay calm. REY team will make sure that you ‘ll have enough interesting features to check during the week, and here’s our first Netflix list on WHAT TO WATCH these days:

ELITE

“Élite,” which returned for its third season, is set at Las Encinas, an exclusive private school with a killer uniform and, as we learn in the first episode, an actual killer. The victim is Marina (María Pedraza), a young redhead who’d always felt out of place among her moneyed and privileged friends. A series of police interviews with her classmates (and suspects) structures the series’ first season, slowly piecing together the events that led to Marina’s bloody murder by the school’s pool.

I AM JONAS

An understated French Drama about a Gay Man’s Troubled Life divided in different timelines. The story revolves around our aforementioned protagonist, Jonas. The first timeline sees him in school, struggling to fit in and isolated from the other students. When new kid Nathan arrives, he takes Jonas under his wing and on a whirlwind trip that changes his life forever. The second timeline takes place with Jonas as a troubled 33 year old, haunted by the ghosts of the past following a traumatic experience that’s shaken him to his foundations in the earlier timeline. The truth of this reveals itself in devastating fashion during the third act but up until that point, much of the film splits between these two timelines, harmoniously bouncing off and complementing one another as more character is revealed in a clever and natural way.

NEXT IN FASHION

Glossy, chirpy and colorful, Netflix’s “Next in Fashion” — debuted on Jan. 29 — is one of two new entrants to the televised fashion design competition arena this year. The 10-episode series, hosted by “Queer Eye’s” Tan France and presenter and designer Alexa Chung, also marks Netflix’s first venture into a category that for years has been dominated by “Project Runway.”

TOY BOY

Netflix’s latest Spanish-language sensation follows a stripper out for revenge against the extremely wealthy socialite that may’ve framed him. And while he’s out solving a mystery, his hunky pals get their groove back as a squad of moneymaking strippers. It’s very interesting to note that TOY BOY wasn’t so successful in Spain, even though it was No1 on Greek and Italian Netflix after its official release.

VAMPIRES

If Netflix’s “Dracula” miniseries gave you the taste for blood, get ready for a new French series that focuses on an entire family of “Vampires”. The streamer has quietly set the French coming-of-age drama for release on March 20th.

I AM NOT OK WITH THIS

Fans of Stranger Things will love this new Netflix series is from the same producers. Jonathan Entwistle and Christy Hall, who also produced The End of the F****** World, co-created the new show together.

Netflix says: “I Am Not Okay With This is an irreverent origin story that follows a teenage girl who’s navigating the trials and tribulations of high school, all while dealing with the complexities of her family, her budding sexuality, and mysterious superpowers just beginning to awaken deep within her.” The quirky series is actually based on the Charles Forsman graphic novel.

SteFan

Photographer Will Dube

starring Stefan Thomas