Nude Nonsense by Branden Janese

Naughty Never Nice

Photographer and poet Ren Hang emerged from the depths of Northeastern China in 2008 with a series of photos so provocative they would embarrass Uncle Luke. Hang’s work has been banned from numerous galleries in China, but that doesn’t stop him from shooting homoerotic photos filled with yellow penises and hairy vaginas. The Nue Galerie in Paris hosts La Chine a Nue, an exhibition of Hang’s most recent photography. Ren still lives in China and for a 26 year old photographer who shoots sophisticated porn, he is surprisingly serious.

What was the first camera you shot with? What do you shoot with now?

My first camera is form my father, it’s a old film camera. I use a very cheap automatic film camera now.

Who would shoot the nude photo spread featuring you as a model?

Shuji Terayama

If your current series could be shown in China, which gallery would you kill to see it in?

In China, I think there is one called Three Shadows photographic gallery.

You use your friends as models and they self choreograph the photo shoots. Many of the photos are homoerotic, describe why you think this is. Is it a rebellion to the strict laws against sexuality that China is subjected to?

I take pictures all the time I’m in control. I did not deliberately choose homosexuality. It’s a real existence, many of my photographs are also heterosexual. Even though most Chinese people do not accept homosexuality, it’s still very strong there. However, Chinese law does not prohibit homosexuality.

Favorite American rapper?

I do not listen to hip-hop.

Who are some past masters of art that have inspired you to shoot?

Shuji Terayama