Richard Kern – ‘Shot by Kern’

Posted by Fabio 20 May 2010

Recently VBS.TV has completed a documentary which follows American pornographer and artist Richard Kern as he embarks on a six-country European tour photographing young women in various states of undress and self-love for his worldwide art exhibitions, regularly published books, and features in the pages of Vice magazine. We caught up with Kern before his exhibition ‘Shot by Kern’ opens tomorrow 21 May in East London.

Where do you live?
New York City

At what point did you discover that film and photography was an interest of yours?
I first started setting up photos when i was about 10. I was maybe 12 when i saw this movie “ashes and diamonds” by Andrezej Wajda on the late show on TV. It was when spy movies were big. It was sold as a spy movie.

How was living in New York’s East Village in the 80’s?
When i think of that time i think of how you had to have a black leather coat, black jeans and black shoes. Black hair was good too.

Do you have people that have inspired you in your work, whether they be in the worlds of Art, Design, Film etc?
David Bowie’s album “Ziggy Stardust” inspired me as a kid in North Carolina.
Chris Burden, Bruce Nauman and Joseph Kosuth inspired me in college as artists types.
Then the sex pistols and black flag inspired me for attitude.
There were lots more influences of course.

How would you describe your style?
Suppressed Anarchist Nostalgia

Through a background in filmmaking did you understand and develop techniques/rules that you later applied to your photography?
Yes, i try not to be make boring photos.

Your last film “My Nightmare” was shot in 1992, from then on did photography become your main focus?
Yes, at that time, i couldn’t think of anything else to say in a film. I have no more messages.

You have photographed the Scottish artist Lucy McKenzie many times, can you name a few of your favourite models?
Lucy, Jenny, Sydney, Laura, Brit, Sophie, Martynka, Alisa, Amy, another Lucy etc.

Did the rise of amateur internet porn influence your style of photography?
Not as much as the rise of paparazzi photography.

Tell us about your own porn website New Nude City, how did that come about?
It’s not my website. I get a cut. A rich nude site king, Petter Hegre, approached me with dazzling stories of how rich i could get with a site. It’s actually only about enough money to pay half of my rent a month. Sooner or later, i’ll drop it. I don’t really do anything for it. I gave them a bunch of content. Who pays for porn on the internet?

Do you go through stages of wanting a break from photography and start making movies again?
No

How did the documentary Shot By Kern Europe start out?
The show itself was dreamed up by Vice Editor Jesse Pearson in NY. The UK office of vice wanted to expand on the concept and invited me over to travel around.

Have you ever thought or been asked to direct a porn movie?
I used to be asked a lot to do this. thank god i didn’t because the guys i know that got into it are no longer making any money. its a dark life anyway.

If you started out now as a young photographer/filmmaking how would you be controversial?
I don’t have a clue but it would be fun trying to figure it out.

What are your top 3 favorite places in your city?
A place i eat, Mogador on St Marks place in the east village.
It’s stupid but i like goof off in MOMA, they have tons of people to stare at.
The third place is pressed up right next to my wife’s naked behind when we’re sleeping.

What is your favourite time of the day?
7 am with coffee and no distractions.

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Shot by Kern
21 May – 21 June 2010
The Rove Gallery
33-34 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NN

The documentary ‘Shot by Kern: Europe’ will air next week 25 May on VBS.TV