Adam Kozik's BDSM-themed images, which he says fall under the category of contemporary photography, often uncover the beauty in a world some are hesitant or even fearful to explore. ( However, he has certainly stretched beyond that particular theme, photographing everything from clouds to cityscapes. ) The openly gay artist talked about everything from early influences to New York City with Windy City Times.
Windy City Times: How did it all begin?
Adam Kozik: I have a background in literature, and it all began with me doing drawings and combining language with the written word. I lived in Paris for about a year, and I had a chance to study the surrealists and the classic mannerists who go back to the 16th century—and a lot of [ my early drawings ] contain those studies. It's basically a study of perspective and shapes that carries over today into photography.
WCT: So would you call what you do 'fetish photography?'
AK: I would call it contemporary photography. I think the biggest challenge is to bring erotica into a mainstream art form; we're still fighting an uphill battle with conservatives who want to call it porn.
WCT: What's been the reaction from mainstream art galleries when you try to submit your work?
AK: The reaction is, 'We find your work very interesting, but we don't know where to put it.' There are galleries that will take that chance, but they show gay art all the time.
WCT: Do you think you'd do better in New York City, which is perceived by many to be more liberal when it comes to art?
AK: I lived there for a long time, and I left after 9/11 because the city changed for all of us; there was a lot of paranoia—and it especially affected the art world. [ The event ] motivated us to use the time we have to create something meaningful. Shortly after that I left for Europe; when I came back, Chicago was just calling. However, I do intend to go back to New York; it is more open and the city has qualities that let you be as outrageous as you can be, and that is celebrated. After [ former mayor Rudolph ] Giuliani left office, the whole notion of turning New York City into a Disneyworld went by the wayside; now, you're seeing a lot of the porn theaters and outrageous clubs opening up again.
WCT: So, photography got you into the world of BDSM [ bondage, discipline and sadomasochism ] ?
AK: I was in the world of BDSM before photography. I've always had a strong interest in this community.
WCT: It seems that more and more people are intrigued by BDSM.
AK: I think it's because it's not so taboo anymore; it's not an underground form of play as it was in the '70s, '80s and '90s. It's been brought out into fashion; it's been brought out into mainstream culture. People are more likely to recognize it for what it is, and the intrigue is elevated because it is visible.
WCT: How do you see your art evolving? What direction do you see your art going?
AK: In the beginning, I was saying, 'Hey. This is something that everybody takes an interest in; kink and being naked happen in everyone's homes.' I think that what my work does is make both brains stand at attention. It's not specifically a gay thing; I deal with nudity in general.
WCT: Do you photograph women?
AK: I don't, but I would love to. I'd love to find a girl who I like enough and who's nice enough to me and whose company I enjoy...
WCT: This sounds like a personals ad.
AK: Well, there has to be a connection. With the guys I photograph, there has to be a connection. The [ situation ] has to be intimate.
WCT: How cathartic is photography for you?
AK: It's very cathartic for me. My work is a diary. I can preserve the memories of those I photograph, and I can map my own history. I'm 36 and I grew up when a lot of gay men were dying of AIDS. I've read stories of people who've lost all of their friends; [ however, ] I want to show that people are still here and that they are still playing.
This is a different generation. The world is a bad place, and the only thing we can do right now is create a parallel universe and to make it as good as we can.
WCT: Do you feel like there's a political context to your art?
AK: I think my work is very political, actually. First, it is about lifestyle politics. It is about what it means to be male, what it is to be in a subculture. I now realize how political that is.
For me, the main meaning of my work is how you can become sexually involved with someone and it doesn't have to be in common with love. It is about seduction and fantasy, but also about loss and love.
Kozik's works are currently being shown ( along with Israel Wright's photography ) at Mephisto Leathers, 6410 N. Clark. ( Mephisto serves as Kozik's dealer, but there is no exclusive contract. ) In addition, Kozik's images will be on display at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, 703 S. 2nd, Milwaukee, on Sept. 15, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. For more info, see www.adamkozik.com .