Prague, Aug 11 (CTK) – An exhibition of Russian photographer Slava Mogutin entitled Lost Boys was opened in the Artwall gallery situated on the supportive wall of the Letna park in Prague within the Prague Pride LGBT festival on Thursday.
The event highlights the life of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people.
Mogutin’s photographs celebrating diversity and a nonconformist way of thinking will be displayed until September 30. This is his first solo exhibition in the Czech Republic.
Mogutin, 42, who lives in New York, was forced to leave Russia because of his support for homosexuals’ rights.
In his photographs, he explores the issues of alienation and identity, he depicts urban youth subcultures and teenage sexuality, conflicts between social standards and individual wishes as well as tension between hatred and love.
He is an open critic of President Vladimir Putin and Russian anti-LGBT policy.
The exhibition’s subtitle, From Russia with Love, referring to a James Bond movies, evokes the feeling of excitement and adventure. At the same time, it reminds of the fact that many LGBT people prefer hiding their desires in Russia.
On the basis of his own experience with persecution, Mogutin is well aware of the everyday problems gays and lesbians face in Russia. However, his view of his homeland is not black-and-white.
“This is such a cliche to describe Russia as a gloomy and sad place. This is also why I wanted to show another face of the country that is colourful, exciting, sexy and full of raw energy,” he said.
“We may have a feeling of being very liberal in the Czech Republic, especially at the moments like the Prague Pride week, but we should definitely not be too self-contented when it comes to our tolerance,” said Zuzana Stefkova, curator of the exhibition.
The 6th Prague Pride festival started on August 8. It offers more than 130 cultural, social and sport events as well as debates and it will traditionally culminate with a march on Saturday.
