An authentic celebration of Ōtautahi’s queer masculinity
Federico Corradi is a 26 year-old photographer and visual artist with an ambitious passion project.
Intimi promises to be an ‘authentic celebration’ of queer masculinity in Ōtautahi and beyond.
With intimacy and authenticity as central themes presented as a large-format photography book, Corradi feels it’s timed well with a real need for genuine representation of the queer folks in local communities.
Considerations
“Queer folks have been represented as either white-washed, sanitised sidekicks in bowties, or troubled souls wheeled out in body bags in crime procedurals. And while we’ve come so far in being seen, and heard – there’s an entire spectrum of incredibly positive, brave, diverse human beings in the rainbow community that deserve to be elevated and celebrated.”
With a concerted effort to represent a diverse range of queer masculinities from all walks of life, the aim for this project has been the study of ‘raw moments and expressions of love’ between gay folks that Corradi connects with, in his life here in Aotearoa as a photographer.
Corradi chose the title intimi, the Italian word for intimate, as a nod to his Italian roots.
Film format
Carefully considered choices such as shooting his subjects in analogue formats through the use of film means that Corradi’s images are considered, and curated. This, in turn, offers a deeper connection between the subject and artist – something that Corradi mentions has been integral in helping him embrace Aotearoa as home.
As a timeless medium, using film ensures intimi will be a lasting snapshot of what queerness in Aotearoa looks like today.
Overcoming barriers within the process
Federico says that through the process of developing intimi, he has struggled with the premium costs of equipment and studio space, and believes many other photographers face a similar barrier to their growth and success in their creative endeavours. From this, he has created photosynthesis: an accessible community-integrated studio space dedicated to supporting photographers, videographers and creatives in Ōtautahi.
The Rātā Foundation
intimi has already attracted the support of The Rātā Foundation, the Christchurch City Council & Creative NZ, as Corradi’s concept has been chosen as one of the 15 Boosted crowdfunding projects for 2022. And while this is an encouraging step forward in realising the project, it’s only part of the process.
How we are supporting
With a lofty goal of raising 50 thousand dollars to ensure a finished project, Corradi and his supporters are taking to the streets to gather momentum for the campaign.
Supporting the project is Black and White Box Photography Lab with discounted developing costs, Leon White Design and The Green Lab’s understorey – where creatives involved in the book will be able to meet and plan. intimi promises to be an important cultural milestone in local gay culture, and with the support of Christchurch, this project will come to fruition and our rainbow community will be immortalised in a positive, authentic and genuine format, forever.
Boost Ōtautahi – Intimi + photosynthesis
An authentic celebration of Ōtautahi’s queer masculinity
Federico Corradi is a 26 year-old photographer and visual artist with an ambitious passion project.
Intimi promises to be an ‘authentic celebration’ of queer masculinity in Ōtautahi and beyond.
With intimacy and authenticity as central themes presented as a large-format photography book, Corradi feels it’s timed well with a real need for genuine representation of the queer folks in local communities.
Considerations
“Queer folks have been represented as either white-washed, sanitised sidekicks in bowties, or troubled souls wheeled out in body bags in crime procedurals. And while we’ve come so far in being seen, and heard – there’s an entire spectrum of incredibly positive, brave, diverse human beings in the rainbow community that deserve to be elevated and celebrated.”
With a concerted effort to represent a diverse range of queer masculinities from all walks of life, the aim for this project has been the study of ‘raw moments and expressions of love’ between gay folks that Corradi connects with, in his life here in Aotearoa as a photographer.
Corradi chose the title intimi, the Italian word for intimate, as a nod to his Italian roots.
Film format
Carefully considered choices such as shooting his subjects in analogue formats through the use of film means that Corradi’s images are considered, and curated. This, in turn, offers a deeper connection between the subject and artist – something that Corradi mentions has been integral in helping him embrace Aotearoa as home.
As a timeless medium, using film ensures intimi will be a lasting snapshot of what queerness in Aotearoa looks like today.
Overcoming barriers within the process
Federico says that through the process of developing intimi, he has struggled with the premium costs of equipment and studio space, and believes many other photographers face a similar barrier to their growth and success in their creative endeavours. From this, he has created photosynthesis: an accessible community-integrated studio space dedicated to supporting photographers, videographers and creatives in Ōtautahi.
The Rātā Foundation
intimi has already attracted the support of The Rātā Foundation, the Christchurch City Council & Creative NZ, as Corradi’s concept has been chosen as one of the 15 Boosted crowdfunding projects for 2022. And while this is an encouraging step forward in realising the project, it’s only part of the process.
How we are supporting
With a lofty goal of raising 50 thousand dollars to ensure a finished project, Corradi and his supporters are taking to the streets to gather momentum for the campaign.
Supporting the project is Black and White Box Photography Lab with discounted developing costs, Leon White Design and The Green Lab’s understorey – where creatives involved in the book will be able to meet and plan. intimi promises to be an important cultural milestone in local gay culture, and with the support of Christchurch, this project will come to fruition and our rainbow community will be immortalised in a positive, authentic and genuine format, forever.
More information
Support the Boosted campaign here
Follow along with the process of intimi here
Follow along with the process of photosynthesis here
See a sneak preview of some of intimi’s portraits here
Apply as a sitter for intimi here
To speak with Federico, contact him here or call 027340024