Boner World had the opportunity to talk with Berlin based photographer Zoen Lam about his new photo book titled “Yellow”. He shares his story of this recent project that has come to fruition via a very successful fundraising campaign on Kickstarter. This determined Berliner gives it his all and this is what he has to say.
How long have you been in Berlin? Or are you an original Berliner?
To quote from President Kennedy’s famous speech, “Ja ich bin ein Berliner” – born and raised. I also lived outside Berlin, studying in the USA and working a couple of years in Asia. Still, Berlin always calls me home. It’s really a great city from which to draw inspiration and to meet creative people.
What’s your ethnic background?
My ethnicity is Chinese. My parents were born in Guangdong, China, but lived in North Vietnam from a young age. They needed to take refuge during the civil war and escaped to what was then West Berlin in 1979.
How has this influenced your project here?
Although I was born in Berlin and call myself German, it’s always been important to me to not forget my roots. During my two years living in Asia, I met many new people and extremely good looking men. When the day came for me to move back to Germany, I felt like I was going back to the past. I was talking and chatting to many people in Germany because of my photography work that I did with Asian models. I got the same responses time and time again: “Oh, these are really good looking Asians you shot! I didn’t know that this type of Asian man exists. Where the hell did you find them?”
These responses made me feel really sad, seeing people relying on stereotypes of Asian men. This is how I got inspired to create this project, to show the world that Asian men have more to offer. I stand behind this work and to be proud of being Asian.
Where did you learn your photography skills?
Technically, I am self-taught and like trying things out on my own. I truly believe that self-teaching is the best way to learn. Photography is Art, you cannot tell you what to see and how to see it; you need your own eyes for that. The truth is that I am simply passionate about photography and fell in love with the language of visual storytelling, so I worked hard to learn as much as possible and practice as much as possible. I also was lucky enough to have encouraging family and friends, that kept supporting me even through difficult times.
For this project and book were you influenced by the Red Hot 100 series by Thomas Knight?
Yellow was definitely inspired by Thomas Knight’s “Red Hot 100” series. No doubt about it! Knight is an amazing and inspiring artist whom I’ve admired for a long time, even before I started photography. And serious, after the launch of Red Hot 100, who isn’t into gingers?
Using a standard colour backdrop is quite normal in creating a photo series, especially if you’re doing studio portraits. A series needs a consistent thread, and for me, multiple backdrops looked messy and didn’t align with my vision for the project’s message.
As soon as I decided the title, there was no way to not use a standard yellow backdrop.
While experimenting with different backdrops, I was considering the name of the project. In search of common ground among all these men, I started coming up with really weird and funny names. In the end, I decided to call it Yellow to reflect the deeper meaning of the project; as many Asians feel discriminated against by being labeled “yellow” and all the negative connotations with that label, I wanted to flip the narrative, redefining what “yellow” means. My challenge was to change the stereotype.
What is the main message of this project ?
The message is simple: to empower Asian men to feel proud and confident to be who they are. It shouldn’t have to be said, but Asian men can be heartthrobs, sexual, heroic, and macho or alpha males just like any other man.
Did you travel extensively to Asia to make these photos?
I’ve traveled not just through Asia, but around the globe to shoot these models. There are 10 more cities I’d like to visit to shoot more boys for the book, including New York, LA, Toronto, Barcelona, Melbourne, and more.
Are any of these guys locals?
Oh, yeah, absolutely! Berliners are definitely represented in the book. My goal was to showcase Asian men around the globe and especially from my hometown. I’ve always known the perfect Berliner for this book. All I can say for now is: “He’s a hot daddy!“ You can see him in the book.
Would you be or are you planning an exhibition of these photos anywhere?
Hell yeah! Haha. I think most photographers dream to publish a photo book or to have their own exhibition. I have plans to tour the book in six cities with an exhibition in Berlin, London, New York, Singapore, Taiwan and Sydney.
The exhibition has an important social message about the acceptance of people, regardless of the colour of their skin or gender. It’s about liberating an often marginalised section of the community and allowing freedom of expression without fear of repression. I’m very excited about it!
How do you plan to expand on this concept?
Although the project is not restricted to any one sexual identity, Yellow has become quite well know in the gay Asian community worldwide. Many in this community have suffered prejudice or discrimination as a result of their Asian heritage and Yellow is becoming a great platform to inspire and motivate them. I will therefore continue to work on Yellow and see where it leads us! A second project is already spinning in my head. (gt)
Follow Zoen Lam on Instagram: @zoenlam and @yellow_oficialASIAN MENBERLINBOOKHOMOEROTICPHOTOGRAPHYYELLOW
