Mikel Marton

Mikel Marton is among the newest faces in the field of male nude photography. With a stimulating blend of male eroticism and the simulated gloss of editorial fashion photography he delivers a unique and dreamy style, testing that sensitive line that separates art and pornography: "My critical community sometimes can't decipher what I'm going for, and I fucking love that. That fine line (art vs. porno) excites me, and challenges me to cross censor boundaries while still producing work that is artistically pleasing."

How do you go about selecting your models?

They find me a lot of the time. It’s hard to approach somebody and be like ‘I want to make you into a clown with an erection, with helium balloons attached to your testicles. Would you mind?’ It’s hard for me to be subtle, even when I try. So people have to see my work first, and then they come to me. I rather have people get it, and share a piece of my obsession. Then of course, I have to see them nude and decide where and if they fit into my vision. My photos start as illustrations, and if they are the type of boy I would pen out of my head, then I will probably end up photographing them.

Do you think that the proliferation of social networking sites has made people more exhibitionistic and therefore more likely to model for nude photography?

Absolutely. The young have definitely inherited the Earth, and are far more self aware of their sexualities than ever before. The Internet has unified this awareness into one diverse voice. Definitely an exciting time to be doing erotic photography and network with a group of people who are no longer afraid to express themselves.

Do you ever have to seduce your models out of their clothing?

Pshaw. They are dying to undress for me.

In your online bio you mention that you’re inspired by mythology. What kind of mythology are you trying to create with your work?

I’m a terrible nerd, and mythology is another obsession of mine. I like to amplify the spirit with the flesh, in much of my work. That’s what mythology is all about– These avatars of spirit, shaped into these naked, gloriously beautiful beings, and representing aspects of both heaven and earth alike. I love to create my own gods, and my own mythology; I see great parallels with sexuality and spirituality, and am fascinated by the idea that they might be the same.

How is the artistic community in Montreal?

It’s quite varied. A bit “Scene” for me at times, but relatively open to my sort of work.

Do you travel to NYC very often?

Not as often as I would like… But for specific projects, yes, especially when travel expenses are included.

It looks like you’ve had a number of non-photography related projects recently. Tell us a little about what’s going on beyond the lens.

My beautiful partner, and designer, Colin Seymour and I have founded a burlesque troupe of a sort, aptly christened, “Bad Taste Burlesque”. It’s a bit new wave, and a hot combination of sexually varied performance art with often offensive inspirations. We want to annihilate what one would expect when going to a burlesque show, while still making making it both entertaining and arousing. It’s not “Gay Burlesque”, but it’s definitely not straight. We’re currently working on our second production with a rather controversial theme– but that’s going to have to be a surprise.

Any plans for another show in NYC sometime soon or maybe a book for our coffee tables?

Other than currently working on my own book, I have select works coming out this fall/winter in David Leddick’s Nude Male Next, and in Grafucked, a compilation of erotic art in a “coffee-table book”. As for more details on these and other publications/exhibitions, you will just have to check my website, or blog when I can give out more information.

Anything else that you’d like our readers to know?

The frenum of my cock has been pierced since I was 14 yrs. old, and it just fell out!

And on that note, I think we’re out too! Thanks Mikel

(book The Nude Male: 21 st Century Visions)

http://www.toxicboy.net/