Pleasure Me This

PHOTOGRAPHY

Aug 8

In a soon-to-be completed project, photographer Ariella Gibson chronicles the pleasure of looking at what you’re not supposed to, and the contradictory nature of pleasure itself.

Photography Ariella Gibson

The series is sequenced, starting with an innocent and morbid curiosity and morphing into sexual pleasure. Once the project is completed, with only a few photos left to be taken, the project will be compiled into a book.

“People are generally attracted to taboo subjects, but are constantly discouraged from looking at them. I felt it was important for me to make this series because I was ridiculed, by some, for finding joy in looking at and photographing unsavory or unladylike subjects.”

“Photographers are each attracted to certain types of subjects, and this attraction is a kin to sexual attraction. It's just a part of us.”

“The concept of pleasure from a woman’s perspective is underrepresented in art, so I’ve been working to visually explore it from my personal point of view- photographing taste, touch, and feeling.”

About Ariella

Ariella Gibson is an American artist and teacher. In 2013 she received her BFA with a concentration in Photography and minor in Art History from Memphis College of Art. She attended the University of Hartford Art School’s MFA Photography program in 2015. In 2016 she began her career at an inner-city school in North Memphis, soon after, she gave birth to her son.

Her work has been exhibited internationally and she is currently based out of Nanjing, China working as an international art teacher. She was recently a finalist for the Documentary Family Awards 2021.

To see more of Ariella’s work, please visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

Enjoyed this article?
Like ZERO.NINE on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram

With his series Ground Clearance, photographer Owen Harvey documents the evolution of the lowrider subculture, capturing its rich history, artistic expression, and global influence. His intimate portraits allow us a glimpse into the life of modern lowriders – a subculture that started back in the 1940s rooted in Mexican-American communities.

Belly of The Giant Serpent: Prophecy

Photographer Chen Chuanduan crafted this fictional documentary, blending elements of fiction and the supernatural. Through AI-generated images and paranormal stories, he conveys both personal and collective trauma. Chen combines text-to-image AI creations with real-world images and his own photography, seamlessly merging reality with imagination.

Capturing the unseen

At East London’s She Lost Control, Aura photography offers a glimpse beyond the visible. Based on Kirlian-inspired photographic techniques, these sessions capture your energy as a radiant Polaroid image—an exquisite reminder that we are more than our digital selves. ZERO.NINE founders Christian Trippe and JC Verona tried this unique experience.

Farm Life

After captivating audiences with Good Dog and The Animal Kingdom, celebrated studio photographer Randal Ford returns with a charming new volume — Farm Life. In his latest book, Ford takes us beyond the barn and into the very heart of America’s vibrant farm animals. This collection of studio portraits celebrates the spirit of these pastoral creatures and invites the viewer on a heartfelt journey of expression, play, and contemplation.

Dreamland: Side of Sea

‘Dreamland: Side of Sea’ is a captivating street photography series by Taras Bychko, showcasing the tranquil charm of English coastal towns in the quiet months before summer, from February to May 2023. Bychko's lens captures serene, almost dreamlike moments in various places like Brighton and Margate, inviting viewers to savour the peaceful solitude before the tourist rush. This reflective series beautifully contrasts everyday life with the timeless allure of the coast.

OF FIRE, FAR SHINING

Asheville-based artist J. A. Young combines their own personal photographs with public-domain archival imagery to explore their reaction to inward experiences. Inspired by a pivotal moment in 2020, the work reflects on existential questions and global crises. Through print manipulation and rephotography, the project creates a fluid, ever-evolving visual narrative that mirrors the artist's shifting perceptions and emotions.

New Moons

Photographer Ada Marino’s powerful series New Moons explores feminine resilience and rebirth against oppressive societal structures. Her work challenges patriarchal norms and advocates for a new, inclusive identity for women, addressing contemporary struggles with a vision of empowerment and transformation.

Souvenirs

Photographer Mike Spears created the zine Souvenirs, a series of irreverent photographic metaphors, romanticising desire, flesh, and comedy. His images reveal the unexpected beauty and humour woven into the fabric of life, inviting you to see the world through a lens that celebrates the quirky and profound.

400 km

Photographer Alberto Tandoi walked 400 km across London capturing fleeting moments with strangers, portraying the city as what would be his ideal city. Through hundreds of portraits, he reveals the beauty of self-expression and the unique stories of unconventional individuals.

Waste Based

Pavel Golovkin’s project "Waste" stands out as a commentary on society's relationship with refuse. Through his lens, Golovkin transforms trash from an overlooked byproduct of human activity into a nomadic entity with its own narrative, continually moving and evolving within urban landscapes.

The Moss-Men (Los Hombres de Musgo)

Our very own JC Verona, photographer and co-founder of ZERO.NINE travelled to his hometown Béjar in Spain to create a series about the unique tradition of local men covering their bodies in moss. Dating back to medieval times, the Moss-Men symbolise a profound connection with nature and highlight the importance of preserving local traditions. We spoke to him in an exclusive interview to find out more about the project that has been on his mind for years.

MACONDO

Marco Vernaschi’s mesmerising series MACONDO delves into the complexities of existence along the Magdalena River amidst an exceptionally challenging climatic backdrop, entwining the essence of Colombian magical realism with the resilience of its inhabitants.

Inversion

‘Inversion’ stands as a poignant artistic endeavour, born from the collaboration between photographer Danila Tkachenko and the non-profit organisation Gariwo. This initiative bears witness to the repercussions of Russian military aggression in Ukraine, encapsulated through a travelling photo exhibition. Through the lens of nine courageous military photojournalists, the project unveils the stark realities faced by Ukrainian communities amidst conflict.

And I lie another day

Delve into the introspective world of Karla Guerrero with ‘And I Lie Another Day’ – a photographic series that navigates the nuances of existence and womanhood. Through inherited memories and maternal influences, the artist embarks on a journey of self-discovery and identity.

Immigrant Owned

Meet Jonathan Castillo, a visionary photographer whose work transcends boundaries and celebrates the essence of the American dream. With a keen focus on immigrant entrepreneurship and the vibrant tapestry of local communities, his series illuminates the often overlooked pillars of the American economy.

Let's build a sandcastle

Sand mining, once a symbol of time and nature's intricate work, has transformed into a stark reminder of humanity's unchecked greed. Through the lens of Jakub Stanek's photography, the relentless exploitation of this natural resource confronts us with the harsh reality of irreversible consequences. It's time to reconsider our priorities and strike a balance between human needs and planetary protection.

Nothing to See Here

Ben Zank, a native of New York City, discovered his passion for photography at the age of 18 when he stumbled upon a Pentax ME Super in his grandmother's attic. Using his self-portraits as a means to express emotions where words fall short, Zank is poised to unveil his debut photo book, showcasing his distinct artistic vision.

Me Entro El Garrion (I got the Sparrow)

Photographer and filmmaker Lorna Carmichael travelled to Cuba to document the impacts of the enduring US embargo. Upon her arrival, she discovered that local Cubans also yearn for a bygone era, prompting her to create the photo story 'I got a sparrow' to encapsulate these sentiments.

I have nothing

With his ongoing series ‘I Have Nothing’, Lagos-based photographer Ebenezer Okike documents Nigeria's new generation, delving into emerging stereotypes and desires. The resulting images feel very personal and intimate, capturing details and scenes of daily life in Nigeria.

Dryland

The present humanitarian crisis in East Africa leaves many individuals displaced by the severe impact of climate change. Photographer Felicity McCabe visited Somaliland to document the ephemeral existence of the refugees and the distinctive architecture of their camps.

Imagined Images

The series ‘Imagined Images’ consists of 136 images, all generated with the help of AI. Visual artist Maria Mavropoulou created these images to recall unphotographed memories, moments she imagined or has been told that happened. With her work, she asks: What is the use of a photograph?

You Go Ahead—I'll Watch

Photographer Mickey Aloisio’s first solo exhibition just opened at Marlborough in NYC. "You Go Ahead—I'll Watch" features his interdisciplinary art using various analogue media and other alternative technologies. The exhibition includes work from his series "Lunch Break" and "Morning Dew," exploring transgressive narratives, queer navigation and intimate moments. Drawing inspiration from Laud Humphreys' controversial 1970s text Tearoom Trade, Aloisio examines consent, manipulation and deception in human relationships. The showcased works include archival pigment prints, cyanotypes and the video installation "Channel 17".

BIFRÖST

French photographer Romain Coudrier went to the Artic Circle in search of one of the greatest civilisations, the Vikings. He found a mix of vast nature and isolated spaces under the domination of mass consumption.

Marungka Tjalatjunu (dipped in black)

With “Marungka tjalatjunu (Dipped in black)”, photographer Matthew Thorne documents the poignant journey of Derik Lynch, a queer Yankunytjatjara man, as he embarks on a road trip back to his ancestral country for spiritual healing. This autobiographical series explores Derik's memories of growing up in a remote Anangu community, delving into the profound intersections of his identity across four cultural worlds – whitefella, blackfella, Christian, and Queer.

LIGHT/MASS

Inspired by the bright and crisp light of the East Coast, British photographer Owen Davies, captured his new home New York City in a new and fascinating way. Brutalist structures and buildings stand like timeless monuments against the bright sky creating an eerie scenery completely absent of any human presence.

Portraits of Áo Dài (Hope For Peace And Love)

Vietnamese photographer Chiron Duong embarked on his project ‘365 days with Áo Dài’ to showcase the beauty and rich cultural relevance of Áo Dài – a traditional Vietnamese dress. The resulting images are rich in colour, emotions and show us a modern Vietnam that many haven’t seen like this before.

The Last Stand

Between 2010 and 2014, photographer Marc Wilson travelled to 143 locations across the British Isles and Northern Europe to capture physical remnants of the Second World War. His captivating images transport us into another time – eerie landscapes, abandoned structures and the absence of humans create a parallel universe of a time gone by. His book The Last Stand has just been published in its 4th edition and is available now.

Starling

Internationally-acclaimed Danish photographer Søren Solkær – best known for his iconic portraits of artists such as Björk, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Patti Smith, Pharrell Williams, Samuel L. Jackson and David Lynch – is set to release his 9th photographic monograph, Starling, on 26th December 2023. The images continue his photographic exploration of starling murmurations, a phenomenon known in Denmark as ‘Black Sun’.

Underground Halloween

For 20 years, Seymour Licht went out every October 31st to take pictures of strangers on the New York subway. His fascinating collection of images of partygoers in costumes is now compiled in his first book Undergound Halloween – a piece of New York history like no other. We spoke to Seymour in an exclusive interview about his passion for the scariest time of the year and what kind of people he’s meeting on the subway.

Signs of time

When Russia started to invade Ukraine on 24th February 2022, Odessa-based photographer Viacheslav Onyshchenko felt paralysed and scared. Taking pictures and documenting his hometown was his way of coping with the fear and switching off from the constant news and media reports. Instead of photographing the evidence of the war, his work shows the ‘new normal’, the surreal everyday life of people in Odessa.

Tom Wyche

Pleasure Me This

In a soon-to-be completed project, photographer Ariella Gibson chronicles the pleasure of looking at what you’re not supposed to, and the contradictory nature of pleasure itself.

“People are generally attracted to taboo subjects, but are constantly discouraged from looking at them. I felt it was important for me to make this series because I was ridiculed, by some, for finding joy in looking at and photographing unsavory or unladylike subjects.”

“Photographers are each attracted to certain types of subjects, and this attraction is a kin to sexual attraction. It's just a part of us.”

“The concept of pleasure from a woman’s perspective is underrepresented in art, so I’ve been working to visually explore it from my personal point of view- photographing taste, touch, and feeling.”

READ NEXT

Antiques of the Future

Dungeon