In Flagranti

Imploring gestures, encircling hands; a moment’s anticipation of powerful physical pleasure; sometimes letting go, sometimes taking the initiative by touching and stroking the other’s body. Perhaps already in gentle love-union or coming to a wildly exciting climax together. An ever-changing cauldron of steamy scenes, with attractive soft focus exposures followed by ones in sharp focus. In the natural heat of the summer, this demands active participation and total surrender. Muscles take on an almost tactile look; the entwining of two bodies becomes irresistible. “In Flagranti”, Norbert Guthier’s new volume of photos, reveals the creative tension inherent in beauty and vitality. Sometimes his subjects are lying in darkness; sometimes they are brightly lit in the fullness of life. Sometimes the camera is demanding and takes the initiative; sometimes it is only a passive observer, quietly recording the action.

The unique thing is that I like to view the pictures at more or less the same distance as I imagine was required between the camera and its subject. The photos vary between posed scenes and more relaxed shots, between the camera actively drawing the subject towards it, and the photographer quickly being forgotten. Norbert Guthier is master of all of these techniques.