“They have always been among us:
the eccentric, the fetishists, the sex workers, and adult content creators, all those who live out their lust or consume the lust of others.
In fact, we are most likely one of them.” Alexandra Aderhold
Sometimes the world pops out a special human who creates art that leaves us breathless.
This human happens to be Alexandra Aderhold.
We fell in love with Alexandra.
So we sat down to talk nude art, censorship, and the obstacles of crazy photoshoots.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who is Alexandra Aderhold?
I’m a Berlin-based artist with a focus on nude, fetish, and porn art.
I want to make a clear statement with my creations, namely that self-determination begins with your own body and what you want to do or express with it.
Consent is also a very highlighted issue in my work.
Not only in the context of working with models in submissive and dominant positions but also in terms of the materials used on set.
They’re all vegan since non-human animals can’t consent to be used as objects, products, or resources.
Is your personal art your full-time gig?
Yes, at least most of the time.
I do sometimes have other photography jobs, such as wedding photography, or retouching, but most of the time I’m working on my own art.
I’m also active as an animal rights activist.
It’s something I never thought I would do but when I got in touch with the issue of animal rights I had no choice but to educate others about it.
What was your most emotional shoot and why?
Oh, there were many but I’d say last year’s Halloween shooting was very intense!
I wanted to have three models pouring a massive amount of vegan fake blood over each other.
All while standing in a self-built white room (in our apartment studio) which was made out of foil (dexter style).
I built the room together with one of the models the day before the shooting.
It took us forever to make it work since it should be a closed cube so that any fake blood won’t get into our actual studio place.
So the day of the shooting I was super nervous if the room would hold up.
Or if any of the models might slip because the fake blood was super slippery, especially on the foil floor.
And on top of that, the fake blood turned out to be super cold once it dried on the skin.
So my models were shaking and giving their BEST to be sensual and controlled.
I took photos and created also a beautiful 10min video from this day.
And the funny part is: I wasn’t allowed to release the entire set anywhere, either because of the fake blood or because of the nudity and touching, etc…
It got immediately deleted on all platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Patreon, Onlyfans, etc.).
So I had to offer it on a USB stick in my online shop.
It’s very exclusive art now, only 5 available, haha :’)
How did you arrive at your distinct photographic style?
That’s a very good question, and thank you for the compliment.
I was always wondering if I have my own style because every photo shooting is so different since I don’t like to repeat myself.
I always love to experiment onset and to try new things out of curiosity, and I guess that eventually became my style!
Why have you specialized in erotic photography, and why are most of your models women?
When I first heard that it seemed to be a common thing for photographers in the fashion industry to take advantage of (mostly female) models on photo sets, it broke my heart.
I was already years into photography at that time, and I’ve already done some nude art shoots and noticed how much more I love to create these kinds of photos as well.
I didn’t understand how any photographer could abuse their position of power and do anything to a model without their consent.
So I decided to give people with marginalized genders/identities a safe stage in front of my camera.
A space where they can feel comfortable and be themselves. Where they can be creative and free, together with me.
I’m not a threat to them, and they feel absolutely comfortable with me, which makes it easy and super fun to create together!
What kind of messages or emotions are you trying to evoke with your photographs?
My art is always open for interpretation so it’s really in the eye of the viewer.
Some get inspired, some maybe get aroused, some maybe get irritated and it makes them think about the topic of the art.
All of these reactions are legit, and out of my control.
Maybe there’s a photo that’s not one of my favs but for someone out there it’s a very special photo and the viewer has their own story and connection with the photo.
That has nothing to do with me anymore.
My art is for the audience to absorb and interpret.
I would wish though that people would get my intention of capturing empowerment, self-determination, consent, etc. but that’s really out of my control.
But finger’s crossed!
How has censorship affected the work you make?
Oh, the bad C word.
My art is not created under certain guidelines.
It’s created in a moment of consent, in which I am alone with my models, where we feel comfortable, and where we sink together into the void of creativity, which, by the way, is my favorite place to be.
Censorship has always been annoying but it hasn’t affected my art.
I’m creating what I want to create and if I can’t release it on certain platforms then I will look for another way of releasing it!
So thanks for having me here 😀
What’s next for Alexandra Aderhold, or how do you see your work evolving?
I want to have my first exhibition at some point, and I’m trying everything to get it done this or next year!
It’s just a bit overwhelming when you’ve never done something like that but I can already picture it in my head.
So it has to happen at some point (if anyone from Berlin wants to help me out here, pls contact me).
I’ve also planned to release a new book this year so more people can have access to my work outside of the internet.
I also wanted to say thank you at this point to everyone who supports my models and me.
It would be impossible to create without you!! Thank you.
Fell in love with Alexandra Aderhold? Check out our article on her series “Vulvaland”
On the 12th of April you can find it here by just clicking on the image below:
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FINDING ALEXANDRA ADERHOLD
aderholdprojects.com
OF: onlyfans.com/ayria
IG: instagram.com/aderholdprojects
IG: instagram.com/earthling_aderhold
P: patreon.com/ayria
THE MODELS
Elli: @elli_dings666
Liz: @lisbeth.nygma
Anni: @annie.opium
Alex: @aatypi
Anouk: @cheriepooo
