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. –B-

JUSTIN MONROE | BEAUTIFULMAG

Comments

[Dieter , Toronto, On. (Canada)]

.......all I can say: 'This is disgusting'....isn't there enough violence in this world.....???

[OCTAVIO POZOS]

AWAYS VERY CREATIVE AND FANTASTIC CONCEPTS.....

I HAD THE PLEASURE TO BE ONE OF HIS MODELS....
'MY ADMIRATION DEAR JUSTIN..

BLESSINGS
OCTAVIO.

[manish]

completely ecstatic... EROTICISM at its fullest.. !! i love it.. more plz..

[Down Under Sjippy]

OMG. Hottest pics ever. Bookmarked this one and sent the link to everyone I know. Thanks for posting these. These will make great images to want to.

[Glen0330]

Do "Adam & Marco" have last names?? They were refered to a couple of times by first names, but never the last names. Hard to "Google" for more pics using just "Adam" or "Marco". I do know Adam's last name though.

[michael]

Adam Killian and Marco Blaze are the models.

The pics are cool, if a bit cliche in gay terms. The one with blood spraying out of his mouth, was a bit much imo. That kind of violence is not erotic to me.

[ulee]

marco blaze

[Dehon]

Disturbingly erotic, uneasily pleasant...

[Joe]

Adam Killian and Marco Blaze. Very nice photo shoot.

[Ian]

Hi team,
While I appreciate the images in Interogation I am quite disturbed by the photo of the blood being shed from a violent punch. Gay men around the world are constantly being bashed or worse murdered by acts of violence because of their sexuality. This picture depicts such a scene for many people and so I believe it to be inappropriate here. Can I therefore politely request that it be taken off. I deal with gay men who have been subject of violence perpertrated by straight homophobes who pose as gays for sex and then execute violent phobic acts.

[Steve]

There is already far too much violence in this world of ours. Let us always strive to spread a little love and beauty around, whenever and wherever we can.

[Wayne WA]

blood flying out of mouth pic is out of line, anything but erotic

[Rassy]

I think that there is a bit of confusion in the intent of this shoot.

I feel it is supposed to be disturbing in that sometimes the things we find arousing can often repel us as well. Power play is part of many people's sexuality irrespective of orientation and this sometimes goes beyond what many would feel comfortable with.

While the imagery is pretty graphic - especially in the "blood shed" image, I don't see it as condoning anti-gay violence.

To me this is exploring an erotic extension to "Stockholm Syndrome", where the prisoner finds themselves attracted to their captor, despite the physical harm.

Violence can come into sexuality between men in a consensual situation. It is that possibly uncomfortable area which I believe is being explored here - not the eroticisation of gay-bashing.

[Davy]

First of all, I believe these images are stunning pieces of art and the article going with it is a good explanation of the artists vision. But what makes this piece even more interesting is the discussion it has started. How can we, self respecting gay men, possibly condemn gay erotic art. Really people, do you sometimes see a film, or even better (or worse), watch the news? Isn't what you see there much worse in terms of giving the wrong message or the right reality? Since when have we, the 'outcast' become such puritans and hypocrites? I admire the artist and have profound respect for this site for being one of the very few brave enough to make a stand and put it all out there. Congratulations. Keep up the good work

[M. Chik]

OH LA LA LA LA.
i love it !

[thegaytekeeper]

I LOVE THE PHOTOS!

[Maurice(LLolipop)]

I think what people forget is art is interperpretation. This being said,most of the time when someone negatively interprets art they are pulling from their own instincts or experiences and not necessarily what the artist or creator even had in mind.This also being said I feel the images are phenomenal. Dealing in the realm of men and sexuality; what no one commented on was the use of erect penises; lol. because no one felt THEY were offensive. Someone who might have been prude or homophobic would then comment on why would u have two men in this context.
People I say all this to say..everything by someone's eyes is going to be construed offensive. Two men together is going to be redeemed offensive( and we all know its not). These images are beautiful in the artful concept of lighting ,direction, shadowing, effects,models, color scale and useage, and etc.etc.etc...I love you Justin..these are amazing once again

[Rocco]

Art is supposed to evoke a reaction! This CERTAINLY does just that! Brove Mr. Monroe for doing what others fear to do, what some look away from, what some desire most... and what everyone is talking about!

[ashtyn long]

hi this is ( ashtyn long ) i have had the honor to work with justin monroe and many other great photographers and have been astounded by the work justin creates in comparison to other artist who's work cross no boundaries. this set he has manifested is definitely very edgy, which i think is the definition of where photography as art should be going.. keep pushing the boundaries justin!!!! this was amazing!!!! love you!!!!

[Yohtan]

Hot. that's it. just hot.

[Dean Plessy]

Love the pics. I consider myself to be a rational and law abiding member of society. I would never want to harm anyone or see anyone truly harmed as well. Yet, there is something primal and powerfully erotic about the theme conveyed in these photos. The dynamic of one man giving himself completely onto the will and desire of another man. There's a memorable line from the movie "Dangerous Liasons" where the Glenn Close character says to the effect of "I prefer the word cruel. It has a much nobler ring." Images I would hope to see portrayed in Justin's next work would be asphyxiation/strangulation done in a very erotic and artistic fashion. There is something incredibly intimate about it: no weapons, no blood. The rawest expression of coveting another man; to use one's will and premeditated strength to embrace the life force out of another. The captor transfixing his gaze, locking the eyes of his prey, the staredown of one vanquishing the other, the consent of complete capitulation and release, until the victim's life force is extinguished. Again, for me it's all fantasy - news stories of "true" incidents repulse me.

[Rudy Hernandez]

Love the idea of being a helpless and vulnerable toy for someone who transcends law and morality.

[Adriano]

after this fotos Mr Justin can do an essay based on TOM OF FINLAND drawnings. SUPERB

[FELIPE]

i love you MARCO BLAZEE!!!!!!

[JUAN]

violento pero muy bueno el trabajo