Interrogating Justin Monroe

Interrogating Justin Monroe



SEXUAL FANTASIES ARE AMONGST PEOPLES DARKEST AND MOST HIDDEN SECRETS. EVERYBODY HAS THEM, AND YOU WOULD BE AMAZED TO KNOW WHAT GOES AROUND IN PEOPLES HEADS. BUT FANTASIES ARE OFTEN JUST THAT… FANTASIES. WE DON’T OFTEN HAVE THE POSSIBILITY TO REALIZE THEM. UNLESS YOUR NAME IS JUSTIN MONROE.

We have come to known Justin Monroe as a photographer with almost unlimited fantasy and inspiration. His work characterizes itself by often bizarre scenes, strange personages and sexual stimulating actions. Often edgy and provocating but always artistic and æsthetic, Justin does it all. With his camera that is. Time for a small interrogation. Justin, tell us, how real are your fantasies?
Justin: Pretty damn real. Seeing that I have created a heavenly world to live in for myself. The lines between my images and reality can get blurred quite easily. My fantasies are what keeps me going. It's a very important part of my life and has been with me since childhood. I feel my greatest asset is my imagination.

Your Interrogation Series is one fantasy that can be considered to be on the edge. What did you want to say with this series of portraits?
Justin: Well, well, well, I am so happy that you asked. (Grin) I wanted to find out what men find sexy. I know gay men are sometimes attracted to sex, domination, submission, and yes I’m going to say it, even violence. You can't tell me that most gay guys haven't imagined either being dominated or completely dominating another. It is in our DNA. But how far can you go? That is the question. Can you show erections and violence in the same image? Or is that just too much? Some people are stricken with fear, while others are enthralled. Me myself, it enthralls the fuck out of me! And when I had the opportunity to shoot Adam and Marco in this Interrogation Series, I knew it would be as easy as riding a tricycle. They both felt every drop of sweat, every salty kiss, and every smack on the ass that makes these images come alive.

Your photographic scenes always seem to go pretty far. Is there anything you wouldn’t do?
Justin: Anything harmful to children or animals, that would be my one limitation. The rest is cart blanche I am an equal opportunity offender.

Pretty open minded as you are, there must be something you are scared off. What is it?
Justin: Born Again Christians, censors, and hairy men.

Share with us your deepest fantasy?
Justin: Are you fucking kidding me… go buy my book!

Ha ha ha. Speaking of books. We heard through the grapevine that you are working on a new project? Can you please elaborate for us?
Justin: As a matter of fact yes. I'm working on my new coffee table book "PLAY THINGS" to be released summer 2010. It is a deranged and demented journey into the mind of a perverted toy maker. It's an autobiography... Just kidding. It is a highly conceptual, extremely erotic, no-holds barred perception of sexuality and fantasy. Basically it’s a cross between Madonna’s Sex Book and Toy Story where the unexpected is just around the corner and nothing is what it seems. In this playroom you can find such characters as a very horny Humpty Dumpty, Orgasmobots, Porno Clowns, Zebra boys, Mermaids, Sailors, and one extremely hot Nutcracker. Definitely something every filthy girl and boy will want to ask Santa to bring them for Christmas.

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