Lars Borges
Two photographs from the series "Klaxons", published in MixMag
One photograph of the series "Justice", published in British GQ and Amelia's Magazine
Two photographs from the series "Tecktonik", published in Zeit Magazine Porträt-Fotografie
Borges defines himself as a portrait photographer - indeed that is what he does. The five photos coming to the exhibition are all portraits.
The first pair of portraits could be something for the sci-fi genre. That is what the subjects' clothing and jewellery point to. Nevertheless the portraits would be a bit out of place - they are too generic, too sci-fi.
The photographs were taken for the MixMag magazine, which styles itself as the world's best selling dance music magazine. They show two members of the British band Klaxons. The band uses sci-fi elements in their music and their name itself is a reference to alarm sirens. Surprisingly they are not an industrial or techno act - they have quite a bit more to do with indie rock and dance punk.
One photograph shows both members of the French electro house duo Justice. In the background their stage boasts massive amplifiers and a lit cross. The duo began working together producing tracks mimicking the styles of the Eurovision song contest. They have come far since then. The band is known for strong rock and indie influences in their image. They are rockers, and this is what is presented - stars akin to Freddie Mercury and Till Lindemann.
Two photographs come from the series "Tecktonik". Borges shot these for Zeit Magazine. They are photographs of the Eklesiast dance group of the Tecktonik brand. On Borges' homepage the series is called "Banlieu Birds" - birds of suburban ghettos. Their dance style, known as "Hard style" or "Tecktonik" after the brand, originated from the Gothic subculture though it has since evolved and blended with other styles, including techno and rave.
The Tecktonik brand was first responsible for importing Electronic and Hard style music from the Netherlands into France in the early 00's. At its peak the brand included eight clubs, fashion lines, hair salons and energy drinks under its name. By the end of the decade the movement had lost its momentum and the brand downsized, thus bringing end to the Eklesiast dance group.
Borges' photographs in the exhibition showcase the subcultures and music of the last decade. The bands are new: both started in the 00's and reached public consciousness in the latter half of the decade. The dance group existed for a short time, yet their dance style lingers.
Lars Borges works in Berlin, where he has his studio. Being a free photographer he is engaged in commercial photography for many large firms and magazines. Borges' work is influenced by music and movies - nevertheless the photographed are always an even greater inspiration for his work.
text by Mikkael Kinanen
Lars Borges, "Banlieu Bird", 2009, Fotografie, Auflage 5, Courtesy of the artist´
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