50 Shades of Red

For photographer Florian Joahn, red is the warmest color.

We recently asked Joahn to shoot 12 rising creatives from across Europe. He took it as an opportunity to serve up his own twist on a color study, bathing his subjects in scarlet and asking them about love, sex, passion, heartbreak, and all the other things you’d expect from a crimson-themed questionnaire.

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Amesh Nikila Wijesekera
DESIGNER
@AMESH_W

How does the color red make you feel?

Feeling of intensity.

How does sex influence your art?

In terms of birthcreation of energysexual energy is known to be the highest form of energy, so why would it not influence my art?

Are you more fire or ice?

Room temp.

Kenny Jones
TRANS ENTREPRENEUR
@IAMKEJ

How does the color red make you feel?

Calming, it’s my favorite color. I feel like if you are in tune with your feelings and have a good understanding of yourself, there’s nothing to fear from such a mixed emotion color.

What’s one issue you are passionate about?

Animal cruelty. I love dogs, particularlyI have two little ones!

Are you more fire or ice?

Definitely more fire! I come with attitude!

Max Saward
STYLIST
@MAXSAWARD

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of red?

Energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination, as well as passion, desire, and love. But mostly Gaga’s 2009 VMA look.

What’s one issue you are passionate about?

This is a pretty recent one for me, but I’ve come to realize that London is pretty much a financial snake pit for young graduates. The creative industry is pretty hostile as it is for entry-level professionals, and there’s an expectation you’ll work for freebut at least you’re doing what you loveright?

Are you more fire or ice?

Cold as ice, hun.

Mohamed Ouedraogo
MODEL
@MOHAMED

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of red?

Fire. It’s funny because I’m a fire sign, but I would like to create a device that would allow me to shoot fireballs out of my hands. Almost like a flamethrower lol.

When was the last time you were heartbroken?

The last time I was heartbroken was when I realized I wasn’t in love with my boyfriend so I decided to end what we had. That might’ve been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and it hurt me so much because I didn’t understand why I wasn’t in love with him anymore.

Are you more fire or ice?

I feel like I’m more of fire since I’m a fire sign (my zodiac sign is Leo). I also prefer summer over winter because I hate the cold.

Tre Koch
PHOTOGRAPHER
@TREKOCH

How does the color red make you feel?

Passionate, hot, sweaty, alive.

What’s one issue you are passionate about?

Equal rights, especially black rights. There are so many issues around the world right now being swept under the rug like they don’t exist. Growing up in Australia for most of my life and moving to London when I was 22, I realized so many of us are raised in a blindly racist community where it’s OK to judge people by their color, sexuality, or gender. It’s time we addressed these issues for good and truly put racism in the past.

Are you more fire or ice?

I’m a Leowhat do you think?

Dominic Osbourne
ARTIST
@BRUTALHAIKU

How does the color red make you feel?

It excites me. There’s something alluring to be found within it something to possess.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of red?

A violent taking, some form of wrongdoing.

When was the last time you saw red (got angry)?

Pure anger is a rare feeling for me, one that I can say hardly visits. More than likely when my Indesign fucks up or there’s a fly that won’t leave my room at 3 am!

Harry Charlesworth
DRAG ARTIST
@HARRYCHARLESWORTH

How does the color red make you feel?

A red lip, a red car, a red bag…red is pure sexual energy. Just a drop of scarlet instantly transforms you from basic pedestrian to full fantasy vixen.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of red?

When I consider the color red I am always conscious of the concept of “slather,” which my dear friend Love Bailey created. To slather is to make something out of nothing with the magic of your own hands. There’s nothing more liberating than slathering it on thick, honey!

What’s one issue you are passionate about?

In such a dark and troubling time in our world, there are plenty of issues which are important to speak up and remain passionate about, but, for me, I’m easily most passionate about LGBTQ rights and protections, especially for trans people and even more especially for trans people of color. As a queer person or ally, it’s more important now than ever to do what you can to support those who have been stripped of the rights and validation you freely possess.

Massimo Faccioli
HAIRSTYLIST
@MAXXXFACC

How does the color red make you feel?

The color red makes me feel powerful. I don’t usually wear any color, but if I did, red would be my first choice! In red, I see passion and loyalty. I see fire and love. I see the beginning of everything, like the first chakra! The mother earth.

What’s one issue you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about anything related to consciousness! I’m obsessed with it and I want more and more information and knowledge about myself and why I’m here.

Are you more fire or ice?

I’m definitely FIRE! Everything I do is made with the passion and energy I have inside me. It’s definitely my element!

Nejhe Ryutt
DANCER
@NEJHERYUTT

How does the color red make you feel?

The color red gives me mixed feelings. It’s bright and in your face, which makes me think bold and outspoken or fearless. But at the same time can be interpreted as anger.

Do you really think blood is thicker than water?

Literally speaking, yes, but on a deeper level as it relates to the old saying, no. There are strangers/friends who’d go the extra mile for you when your own family wouldn’t.

What’s one issue you are passionate about?

Artists using their work to share a message with their audience. Once you have a platform and an audience is watching, I feel like that’s your moment to spread positive messages. And I say positive because it’s the only way we can move forward with all this stuff that’s going on in the world todaypositivity and unity.

Santiago McGorty
ARTIST
@MR__MANGO__

How does the color red make you feel?

Passionate, lustful, impulsive, reckless, and sexy as fuck.

Describe something you would create based on the color red.

A dirty shrine dedicated to my latest and guiltiest obsession, most likely a man I can’t have.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of red?

Dancing underneath red lighting. EVERYONE looks attractive in red lighting.

Manny Quinn (Karim)
ARTIST
@CUMCOW

Describe something you would create based on the color red.

A video of me in a red swimming pool with snakes swimming around me while listening to classical music.

When was the last time you saw red (got angry)?

I often get angry when people copy me, but not because they’ve copied, simply because they’ve copied my first idea without taking that idea forward. Just copying is so lame.

How does sex influence your art?

I mean, I’ve had sex around three times, so it’s not a major element within my art. There are other things such as kissing, grabbing, and touching that seem more inspiring to me in relation to my art, but it depends on what you classify as sex.

Nicklas
DJ
@HERRENSCHEIDE

All photography by Florian Joahn

@florian.joahn

www.florianjoahn.com