Chicago-based artist JoJo Baby knows how to make an impression out on the town. Getting Into Face, the new book that chronicles the costumes and nightlife of JoJo and Sal-E, features Bernard Colbert's photographs. This five-year project followed the two self-titled "club kids" as they dressed for Monday-night themes each week. More than 100 portraits are included, with everything from creature costumes to astronaut suits.
Nunn put Baby in a corner to talk about his upcoming book signing Sept. 8 at the Eyeporium Gallery and other projects.
Windy City Times: Hi, JoJo. Let's talk about this book that was put together with you and Sal-E.
JoJo Baby: We started being photographed by Bernard Colbert about 10 years ago. This was back when we did Boom Boom Room every week. Every Monday, we would go into the studio and have a quick photo shoot then go to work. I came up with the title Getting Into Face because it is the process of getting ready.
WCT: They are not hosting Boom Boom parties on Mondays currently?
JoJo Baby: We are trying to bring it back with the organizers right now. It is on hiatus but it will be coming back at Green Dolphin Street, which is on Webster and Ashland. We are just waiting. I will have a job once the door opens!
WCT: I am not familiar with Bernard Colbert.
JoJo Baby: He is a local photographer. We were both neighbors in the Flat Iron Building. That is how it started. Sal and I were getting ready for the Bristol Renaissance Faire. We dressed up as Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. That was our first photo shoot.
WCT: Is that in the book?
JoJo Baby: That is in the book. Since the book is doing so well they are ready for our monster book that we want to do next.
WCT: Where can people buy the book?
JoJo Baby: We are going to be selling 50 copies at the Eyeporium on Sept. 8, but it can be bought on Amazon.com as well. The presales have gotten so crazy that it forced the book out sooner.
WCT: Is it a photo book, or is there writing in it also?
JoJo Baby: Clive Barker wrote some in it but it is mainly pictures. With the book coming out, Clive Barker is sending out the movie JoJo Baby into the mainstream this year.
WCT: There is an after-party following the book-signing?
JoJo Baby: We are doing a lip-sync show at Debonair with Silky Jumbo hosting. We want to share the night with people like Silky, and Sissy Spastik. Sal-E will be performing as well as me. It is going to be fun!
WCT: Maybe Berlin Nightclub after that …
JoJo Baby: Possibly, depending on how the night goes.
WCT: Do you know what you are wearing for the evening?
JoJo Baby: No, but I think I am going to double dog dare Sal-E to wear something over-the-top.
WCT: I heard you are in the film Scrooge & Marley.
JoJo Baby: Yes, I play the Ghost of Christmas Future and a couple of other drag-queenie kind of ghosts in it. It was fun. I got to hang out with Bruce Vilanch and Tim Kazurinsky from Saturday Night Live days. My scene was actually with him. I also just filmed a movie called Chicago Rot, which is also coming out.
WCT: What is it about?
JoJo Baby: It is a horror film. The lead actor is competing in a guitar solo with the devil in my head. It is campy and scary all in one.
WCT: How do you find the time?
JoJo Baby: I am very busy. I just got a commission out of New York for the Luxembourg & Dayan Gallery in November to make 21 dolls. One of them will be a life-sized doll of a punk star. They are making a book to be presented there. The book is basically Fight Club meets the gay leather-bar scene. It is graphically violent. Some of the dolls will be fisted with rusty chains. It runs the gamut, [with] someone just being cut to death.
WCT: Good to hear things are happening for you.
JoJo Baby: I feel like this is my year. For the first time, people have showered me with love and wanted me to do well. Hopefully, one day I will be working for The Muppets!
A feast for the eyes will be had at the Eyeporium Gallery, 1431 N. Milwaukee Ave., with a signing Saturday, Sept. 8, 7-9 p.m. The after-party will be held from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Debonair, 1575 N. Milwaukee Ave. The exhibition runs through Oct. 1 at the gallery. More details can be found at www.eyewanteyewear.com .