Photography Exhibition Exploring Gay Marriage

Challenging exhibition explores the dark side of gay marriage

As same-sex marriage gets ever-closer to becoming a reality for the UK, London-based photographer William To presents a challenging exhibition that raises some challenging questions for gay men who are contemplating getting hitched.

By juxtaposing conflicting visions of gay relationships, To’s work asks us to consider: Are gay men using marriage to blend in with heterosexual couples?
Will our identities be taken over by dull, subdued versions of our former selves as we embrace the traditional norms of straight relationships?
What exactly are we sacrificing for marriage equality? Do we just see what we want to see?

Originally from Brisbane in Australia, To is known for his bold use of colour and digital manipulation, creating a world that is larger than life.
For this series of fantasy v. reality he has created six different couples in six very different stereotypes of gay lifestyles.

To’s process involves the use of three different types of photographic editing software and precise editing techniques to achieve his desired affect.
There is an obvious use of bold v. dull colour contrast in the two formats presented for each couple, powerfully conveying two different lifestyle choices - bold or blending in.

The exhibition, titled Foreseeing Paths, will be held at Manbar Soho, 79 Charing Cross Road, WC2 H1 [http://www.manbarsoho.com/]
The exhibition opens on Tuesday 4th June 2013.

On opening night To will be auctioning a unique piece of work from the exhibition series. (signed and framed). Proceeds from the auction will be donated to London Community Pride.