Liz Johnson Artur's latest book, PDA, is a stunning visual archive of the London queer club scene that defied conventions. For over three decades, Johnson Artur has captured the essence of her subjects, revealing beauty, resilience, and community in a world where individuals often feel marginalized.
The book chronicles the heyday of PDA, a popular queer club night that ran monthly from 2011 to 2021. What draws Johnson Artur to this scene is its fluidity, inclusivity, and the freedom it offers to self-expression. Unlike other clubs, PDA didn't have a door policy – all were welcome, regardless of age or background. This openness created an environment where Johnson Artur could freely capture the joy, creativity, and acceptance that defined the space.
Johnson's photographs are not just snapshots; they're meditations on human existence, revealing our shared experiences and commonalities amidst our differences. Her camera is not a tool for objectification but rather an instrument to amplify individual stories, showcasing the complexities of identity, love, and connection. The result is a mesmerizing collection that pulsates with energy, radiating warmth and intimacy.
Throughout the book, Johnson Artur weaves in vignettes of her own life, tracing back to her childhood as an immigrant's daughter, navigating multiple cultures, languages, and identities. This introspection serves as a framework for understanding the universal desire for belonging and self-expression that PDA embodies.
In her work, Johnson Artur highlights the fleeting nature of moments like these. As she notes, "We have a wonderful time, then suddenly it's over." Yet, this ephemeral quality is precisely what makes them precious – they remind us to seize every moment, to let go and be present.
Johnson Artur's role as a collaborator with some of the PDA organisers allowed her to fine-tune her vision with their input, resulting in a cohesive body that is not just visually striking but also poignantly human. For a photographer known for stringent standards, this collaboration was a remarkable departure from her usual practice.
Ultimately, PDA stands as testament to the transformative power of community and self-expression, reminding us that we're all deserving of love, respect, and acceptance – no matter our background or identity. In Johnson Artur's photographs, you can feel the warmth, the passion, and the connection – a true snapshot of a moment in time where human spirits came together to celebrate life, unbridled and free.
PDA is published today by Bierke Books, offering readers an unmissable opportunity to glimpse into the vibrant world that Johnson Artur captured with her lens.
The book chronicles the heyday of PDA, a popular queer club night that ran monthly from 2011 to 2021. What draws Johnson Artur to this scene is its fluidity, inclusivity, and the freedom it offers to self-expression. Unlike other clubs, PDA didn't have a door policy – all were welcome, regardless of age or background. This openness created an environment where Johnson Artur could freely capture the joy, creativity, and acceptance that defined the space.
Johnson's photographs are not just snapshots; they're meditations on human existence, revealing our shared experiences and commonalities amidst our differences. Her camera is not a tool for objectification but rather an instrument to amplify individual stories, showcasing the complexities of identity, love, and connection. The result is a mesmerizing collection that pulsates with energy, radiating warmth and intimacy.
Throughout the book, Johnson Artur weaves in vignettes of her own life, tracing back to her childhood as an immigrant's daughter, navigating multiple cultures, languages, and identities. This introspection serves as a framework for understanding the universal desire for belonging and self-expression that PDA embodies.
In her work, Johnson Artur highlights the fleeting nature of moments like these. As she notes, "We have a wonderful time, then suddenly it's over." Yet, this ephemeral quality is precisely what makes them precious – they remind us to seize every moment, to let go and be present.
Johnson Artur's role as a collaborator with some of the PDA organisers allowed her to fine-tune her vision with their input, resulting in a cohesive body that is not just visually striking but also poignantly human. For a photographer known for stringent standards, this collaboration was a remarkable departure from her usual practice.
Ultimately, PDA stands as testament to the transformative power of community and self-expression, reminding us that we're all deserving of love, respect, and acceptance – no matter our background or identity. In Johnson Artur's photographs, you can feel the warmth, the passion, and the connection – a true snapshot of a moment in time where human spirits came together to celebrate life, unbridled and free.
PDA is published today by Bierke Books, offering readers an unmissable opportunity to glimpse into the vibrant world that Johnson Artur captured with her lens.
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see the magic of PDA, this amazing queer club night that was all about inclusivity and freedom? It's so beautiful to see how Johnson Artur has woven her own life into the book, it makes it feel even more personal and special. And what I love most is that she's not just capturing moments, but also showing us the beauty in our differences 
. This book is like a big ol' hug for everyone who's ever felt marginalized or left out – it's a reminder that we're all deserving of love and respect, no matter what 
. Can't wait to get my hands on this one and dive into the world of PDA!
just read about Liz Johnson Artur's latest book PDA and I'm OBSESSED 
gotta check out this London queer club scene she documented over 3 decades, it sounds like such a safe space for self-expression. love how she weaves in her own story into the book too, it adds a whole new layer of depth to the pics 
I think PDA is more than just a book, it's a testament to how community can bring us together despite our differences 
. Liz Johnson Artur's photography is stunning, but what really stands out is the way she captures the essence of human connection – that feeling we all crave when we're around people who accept us for who we are 
. The fact that PDA was a space where everyone could feel welcome and express themselves freely is truly inspiring 
. I love how the book combines Liz's own story with the stories of those around her – it's like a big ol' group hug 
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. And I think what really sets PDA apart is the way Johnson Artur collaborated with the PDA organisers and got their input on the book - it shows she values community and collaboration over just taking control of the project herself 
They're not just pictures, they're like tiny moments in time where love, acceptance, and self-expression all come together 