Keim

More about the book

Matt Lambert's Keim is a unique exploration wrapped in whispers, gossip, and mystery. The featured work, “Lovers, Friends, Muses, a Husband,” reflects the duplicity of the young photographer's lens. The cover, depicting an anonymous cock mid-ejaculation, is revealing. This imagery parallels Lambert's generational take on documenting adolescent sexual behavior. The photographic diary serves as a rite of passage for both artist and subject, reminiscent of Larry Clark's Tulsa (1971), which shocked audiences with its raw portrayal of teenage life. While Lambert may share a photographic lineage with Nan Goldin and her influential The Ballad of Sexual Dependency (1985), he diverges significantly in approach. Goldin’s work, rich in color and intimacy, focuses on the politics of sexual relationships, whereas Lambert's perspective is apolitical and centers solely on sex. In Keim, individuals remain nameless and devoid of purpose beyond their sexual encounters, emphasizing anonymity. Unlike Goldin's narrative-driven approach, Lambert's work is independent of relationships, showcasing a world where desire reigns supreme. - Jefferson Hack