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5-01-2007

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Shooting Dominatrixes on set in their dungeons, rosy pin-ups in fields of marijuana plants, showgirls behind-the-scenes or hooded fetishists at a latex night club, photographer Maria Coletsis offers the viewer more than visceral sex in her images. We are challenged by her art to question our own morals, compare them with those of society, and decide if either is arbitrary. Her unique juxtapositions have landed her worldwide exhibitions and media acclaim. Coletsis spoke with us about her visions, inspirations and intentions.


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Eros Zine: In both your Pin-Dex series and your Marijuana Pin-Up series, you juxtapose the fresh innocent beauty of a retro pin-up with the darker and more secretive world of drugs and escorting. How different are these two forces, how do they fit together, and which one is more "real?"

Maria Coletsis: I wanted to address the darker criminal activities that exist in our communities and felt that idea would be more accessible by using the Pin-Up stereotype as a guide. I enjoyed bringing these two ideas together because I wanted to make images that reconsider the notion of today's telephone sex operator, drug dealer or escort. The contrast between the two, make for an image that questions what is real.

Eros Zine: You push a lot of buttons with your art. What do you think the role or purpose of art is?

Maria Coletsis: When I look to art history, I believe I get a sense of what was going on with the people at the time. What images, rituals, foods, colors, symbols and religion were worth putting in a picture speaks about the people making the picture. Today is no different; contemporary art will be art history for someone later, and what is shown now speaks about what people are thinking about, trying, rejecting or hoping for.

Eros Zine: You've done extensive shooting of Mistresses in dungeons. Tell me about your first time in a dungeon.


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Maria Coletsis: I was introduced to an amazing Pro Dom who needed photos for her website. The shoot was to take place in her dungeon at her posh London flat. I had no idea what to expect since I had never been in a dungeon. Well, I was blown away with the space… how the rooms had been transformed with the bizarre equipment and toys. I was instantly inspired, and the shoot lasted hours. We continued to work together in the future.

Eros Zine: How well do you know the Mistresses you shoot?

Maria Coletsis: I continue to be friends with the initial Mistress I photographed and have worked on many photo projects with her that have been published in different magazines. I am currently working on a photo book of the world's Pro Doms, and I have photographed about 20 different Mistresses.

Eros Zine: What are the shoots with them like?

Maria Coletsis: We communicate about details beforehand, but for the most part, the photo shoot is the only time we are together. I spend time talking about their philosophy and special interests before we start. I know that my being a woman has made it more comfortable for the Mistresses, and I'm very aware of how to photograph the female body.

Eros Zine: You've shot several series with latex and leather hoods. What about the hood intrigues you?


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Maria Coletsis: Many dungeons I photographed had hoods, and my curiosity started there. I wanted to see more and discovered a whole world for the hood-lover. I became fast friends with a gal who runs a fetish club and had an incredible hood collection. She loved to wear them, and we started to make a huge amount of hood photographs. She definitely has been a muse and was open to taking the hoods outside and out of context.

Eros Zine: You live in Vancouver, but you've had many exhibitions in Athens. What does Greece hold for you?

Maria Coletsis: My family is Greek, and the culture is a big part of me. The mythology has had a huge influence on my creativity and passion for image-making. I lived in Athens for a few years and exhibited my photo painting work with galleries there while continuing to work with themes of ritual and archetypes.

Eros Zine: You've also done a lot of shooting in the UK (Skin Two Rubber Ball, Club Rub, etc). How much time do you spend in London?

Maria Coletsis: I lived in London for two years but now base myself out of Vancouver. I visit London on a regular basis for various photo projects.

Eros Zine: You have a really interesting series on identical twins of all ages. What led you to pursue this subject?


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Maria Coletsis: The introduction to the photographic work of Diane Arbus changed the way I looked at the world. I was in my first year of art school and learned more from her work than any other artist.

Eros Zine: How did you first get involved in fetish, and how involved are you currently in the "fetish community?"

Maria Coletsis: I met a woman who runs a London fetish club, and she invited me to come and photograph freely. It was such a great opportunity to take photos in what is usually a camera free zone. After the first visit, I wanted to go again but this time I decided to set up a photo area and brought red velvet drop cloths and lights.

Eros Zine: Are you more of a distanced voyeur or an active participant at fetish events?

Maria Coletsis: More of a voyeur, I would wander and observe and then invite people to be photographed. These images became very unique because the club environment of the previous visit was completely absent in these portraits. The photos became very intimate, and the personal fetish element of each person became integral to the portrait.

Eros Zine: What's next for you?

Maria Coletsis: I am currently working on a photo book of the world's Dominatrixes. I have spent the last year traveling around the world photographing and interviewing various professional Mistresses. I am very interested in the role the Pro Dom plays in society and the powerful icon she has become to popular culture.


To learn more about Maria Coletsis, visit www.MariaColetsis.com

Maria Coletsis - by Sez G. Top of the Guide

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