BONUS NUMBER 90: ARTHUR TRESS
(Did You Sleep With the Models?)
Every Arthur Tress photo tells not one story but many. Those stories suggest more than they state. The ambiguity of his work explains why we used him so often in Mandate, Honcho, and Playguy — that, and the high quality of his photography. Since the 1970s, he has been internationally recognized; for instance, in A World History of Photography by Naomi Rosenblum.
I explained in last week’s post that I started out to showcase his work minus the fiction and essays that accompanied it in our magazines. It didn’t work then, nor did it this week. Once again, I began reading. This time, what first captured my attention was the sly little story “Back Home.” It belongs with the Tress photo like a fraternal twin. Unlike most erotic stories, this one is a monologue…a man returns to his old neighborhood and fulfills a childhood fantasy. The tone is one of innocence — make that faux innocence — and not a word is wasted. It starts and stops exactly where it should.
On Tuesday, September 17, Vice President Kamala Harris Harris said that rightwing attacks have made groups including migrants and LGBTQ+ people feel unsafe.
Given that reality, which unfortunately has intensified owing to the hate rhetoric spewed out by Trump, Vance, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (who is rumored to be a so-called “ex-gay” following conversion therapy), far-right members of the Supreme Court, along with individuals and groups too numerous to count — in view of these increased dangers, I have included in the Arthur Tress retrospective an article from Mandate in 1983.
I wish I could say it’s outdated. With a few revisions, however, it could have been written this week. You will note, in reading, that the National Gay Task Force anti-violence efforts have been superceded. I urge you, however, not only to read but to memorize the advice given in the final three sections of the article: Avoiding Assault, In Case of Assault, Witnessing an Assault, and After an Assault.
I would add this to the second section: If you have no other defense in an attack, use a house key or a car key to jab the assailant, preferably in the eyes. I came across that tactic in a neighborhood paper shortly after moving to New York. Also on the subject of keys: always have your door key or your apartment key in hand when you reach the entrance. Never stand fumbling in your pocket or anywhere else. You might just as well have a sign on your back saying “Mug Me.”
And if you’re so addicted to your phone that you must stop on dark, deserted streets, in forlorn parking lots, or even in broad daylight to check Instagram or Tik Tok or Squirt — you don’t need the sign; you are the sign.
The accompanying photograph by Arthur Tress is disturbing. It is meant to be.
The Arthur Tress retrospective will continue periodically. Meanwhile, have a look at arthurtress.com.
The Getty, here in Los Angeles, did an amazing Arthur Tress retrospective last year, but their exhibition, neglected his homo erotic, nude work. Such a shame. Nonetheless it was a brilliant exhibition.I know Arthur, and have enjoyed his work for many years . I have two signed pieces in my collection. Phil Tarley, aka Phil St. John