Publicity: Erik Carter
In this episode of Exposure, the CR column showcasing the work of aspiring photographers, art director Gem Fletcher examines Erik Carter, whose imagery focuses on black queer love – including platonic love, friendship and partnership
In Stevie Wonder's 1973 track Visions, the musician speaks to the land of milk and honey, a biblical reference to a place of abundance, free from want. Fast forward almost 50 years and the line is a catalyst for American artist Erik Carter's ongoing project that focuses on black queer love and friendship. "It's a fantastic way to talk about something that doesn't exist, but it's beautiful and possible," says Carter. “Historically, the images of black love are limited, and for black queer love they didn't exist. When you saw it, it was full of negative connotations. "
The project explores love in its greatest possible breadth and documents platonic love, friendship and partnership in all their nuances. “I'm interested in exploring the sexuality of black queer love and what love is to us. It's not in the land of milk and honey, it really is, but I want it to be as fantastic as possible is. "