Meat Niels

WE ARE PART OF A GENERATION THAT IS OBSESSED BY PHYSICAL PERFECTION. ESPECIALLY IN OUR GAY SURROUNDINGS, MUSCLES ARE THE MAIN INGREDIENT FOR MALE HOTNESS. FOR MANY AN ADDICTION, FOR OTHERS A FRUSTRATION. FOR FARRAND BLOCH A REASON TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS CULT OF THE PHYSIC.

Deep in his heart, Dutch photographer Farrand Bloch admits that he has always been a bit jealous when it comes to all those blessed with well built muscled bodies. Especially those who seem to get those muscles for free, knowing that for most it takes a lot of hard labor in the gym to achieve a sculptured form. Being a photographer specialized in artistic male photography, Farrand knows as no other that the ideal image of a guy is very much dominated by heavy muscled men. An idealization that overshadows the more slim athletic guys such as Niels. The gay mind is ruled by six-packs, pecs and biceps.

Meat Niels aims to be slightly disturbing, leaving you with the question whether he is happy or not. Viewing the photographs it shows a hidden beauty, the meat and the fine boyish model wearing it as a second skin. Is it a longing? Is it a desperate attempt to reach perfection? All in all Meat Niels is both admiration for those who work so hard to reach physical perfection and a protest against this dominating gym culture.

Farrand Bloch discovered Niels on a modeling site. Though straight, he is very relaxed and open to try everything. Where other models refused to play the role in this provocating concept, Niels dared to take the jump, though he had to overcome some hesitation at first. Farrand recalls: “The fresh beef weighted about 11 kilos. It was cold on Niels body and while working with it some blood came dripping off. Tying the meat to his body was like putting on a harness. It was the weirdest sensation and it made me think: if you could only gain so much muscle bulk in one that would be a dream.”

Niels has followed a light fitness program to get a bit more toned and muscle definition but does not want to bulk up. He is most comfortable with his body and his physique and personality have landed him a professional modeling career, with regular shows in New York, Milan and Shanghai. Oh, and Farrand himself? Not so bad looking either. Check out the self portrait section on his website and see for yourself. –BM-

FARRAND BLOCH | BEAUTIFULMAG

Comments

[Andre DeLoach]

Provocative.

Prompts me to reflect, again, on how I see and view physique photographs, more specifically, the images of the models in the photos...do I see them as hunks of human meat or as people.

Thanks for shaking things up a bit.

[PDX-B]

not particularly erotic... but it makes me hungry as hell! that flank steak on his crotch looks especially yummy!