Utopia by Alex Murphy

Hi! I’m Alex Murphy - they/she, a photographer from South London, living in Bristol who's work predominantly documents the queer community. With a love for shooting film and capturing someone's essence in their portrait - their style, confidence, attitude, piercing eyes, the tattoos through the mesh of their shirt and the outfit they safety pinned together.  These images are from my photo series ‘Utopia’ documenting Bristol’s queer nightlife scene, shot on 35mm film. When I first discovered this scene I marvelled at how unique these spaces were, and the people who make it what it is. The outfits and the stares you know they received on the bus there. Only people within these circles knew these spaces existed and the magic of them, the queue outside is like a runway and the 90s club kids reborn. These spaces serve as a utopia for LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive in, within a world that hasn’t been designed to include us. A fantasy realm of complete freedom of expression, celebrating individuality, creativity and community.  I take inspiration from photographers such as Catherine Opie, Derek Ridgers, Nan Goldin, Claude Cahun and Nadia Lee Cohen. Predominantly queer artists and activists have inspired me and my work. This series was also inspired by the 90s New York Club Kid culture, when looking at photos from that period I felt drawn to their extravagant style and unwavering confidence. This series was also inspired politically by the increasing hostility and attacks on the queer community, particularly towards trans people in recent years as the main target of a Tory government. This pushed me further to pay tribute to my community by showcasing and celebrating our spaces, the incredible individuals I’ve met within them, and the vital importance of queer spaces, now more than ever. You can view the full piece of work on my website here: https://www.alexkmurphy.com/utopia Instagram: @alexmurph.y https://www.instagram.com/alexmurph.y?igsh=dWo0bjVyZnNxa3Z6