Mitchells' A-Z of Fetish Artists - Platter

Platter - Statues

Sean Platter is a professional illustrator of some note, his older work is often lushly sensuous beefcake, like 'Statues' above. The captive beauty of statues has inspired artists and randy adolescents alike for centuries. Closer inspection of the copulating couple artwork reveals patches of natural skin colouration, are they about to come to life? Etienne famously played with this theme - and Mozart in 'Don Giovanni'. The ghostly treatment of the other background statues, draped with dust sheets suggests something more sinister, is the hunk about to be recruited into their ranks?

Platter - Leather Prisoner

You can see the same mind at work in 'Leather Prisoner' (my title), a straightforward image of a fetish ritual is transformed by placing a majestic, pair of wings behind the prisoner, their representation is just ethereal enough to suggest a spiritual rather than a physical existence. The upward pointing tips, like a bird of prey, imply strength and power. Just as well, for the large cog wheel in the foreground threatens pain on a grand scale for this 'angel'.

Platter - Flogged (from 'Demonic Sex' comic)

Platter's more recent 'Demonic Sex' series of comics explores these sorts of themes further. I suppose demonology might be regarded as a fetish in it's own right were it to be capable of physical realisation. The scenario where a pick-up transforms from stud into a horrifying, devouring beast is certainly erotically stimulating and sums up the human condition rather well, hence the perpetual popularity of the classic, monster-horror/ 'beauty and the beast' genres. The flogging transformation (Flogged) above is just the start of the hero's trials at the hands of one of the more enticing varieties of demon which Platter conjures up, with luscious attention to the relevant detail! This image is reminiscent of Bill Ward's comic style.

Platter - Gargoyles (from 'Demonic Sex' comic)

In Platter's hands this is just the gateway to a succession of abduction scenarios neatly summed up by the 'Gargoyles' composite above. A demon interrupts a leather bondage session and converts the participants. 'Demonic Sex' is generously laced with humour and caricature cameos which are just as interesting as his older work. I'm not keen on the grotesquery here but I really like the idea behind this little story - two men taken and imprisoned within another form, transformed into servants. How much more delicious though, if they were deserving villains rather than the easy leather queen target!

Platter - Foreskin (from 'Demonic Sex' comic)

The angel, above, enveloped by a devilish foreskin is genuinely original, funny and erotic all at the same time but the rest of the story is peppered with bloody, ritual death and regeneration scenes that I suspect would be unpublishable as erotica were it not dressed up in humour and devilish fantasy, where the normal rules governing pain and death are suspended. It's a funny world!

Platter - Feed! (from 'Demonic Sex' comic)

My final frame shows the hero's subjugation and induction into his new role as servant of the demon, it's pretty erotic with or without the horns, beautifully conveying not just lust, but domination as well. A terrific artist.
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The samples of Demonic Sex presented here are just selected frames from the comics and not full pages. The originals are available from Triple Six Comics.

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Sean's own website is at Decadent Arts

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A-Z of Fetish Artists - Pichard

Pichard - Roman Lash (my title)

This picture is a fetish perennial on the internet so I cannot overlook it. The artist is actually noted for heterosexual erotica and the background detail of classic architecture and female onlookers bears this out. The treatment of the foreground figure doesn't really match in quality and I suspect it has been erotically 're-engineered' for a gay audience. Nevertheless the combination of frail nudity and the domineering, unpleasant looking guard wielding the lash is very effective. The leg-over-the-bar shackling arrangement is curious but contributes to the visual erotic effect, I suppose it makes more sense in the original story context.

Georges Pichard is well represented on comic art fans . He's also in Wikipaedia and Googling produces lots of example of his work. Interesting if you don't mind looking at females.

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A-Z of Fetish Artists - Philippe

Philippe - Chairbound

A brief mention for Philippe who has produced some interesting dungeon imagery full of shaved heads and rubber garments. This artist's work is a curious mixture of subtle skill and naivety. The chairbound example is quite a nice image and the depiction of the captive's face is full of subtle detail, as is the strangely-angled stone wall behind him. In contrast, other significant parts of the picture are quite crude, unfinished even, like the captor's face - which works to some extent. I'm not so sure about the sketchy treatment of the ropes and the victim's open legs.

Philippe - Rubber Orgy

The rubber orgy picture with it's bathroom accessories is reminiscent of Bastille's work with a confused melee of men exploring every possible sensuality. The depiction of the bodies is quite stylised and they end up looking like real men rather than muscle gods. There's quite strong sense of shared pleasure here too, which is refreshing. Perhaps the real antecedants of this picture are the youthful romps drawn by Spartacus in the 1950's. This picture is also lifted by quirky incidental detail, like the fastidious participant who prefers to empty himself into a toilet and the out of scale, suited voyeur in the shadows.

Philippe seems to focus more on what is happening and what the participants are experiencing than on the visual depiction itself. I can't decide if the result is naïve or exceptionally artistic. Either way it's not a resounding success for me as erotica but definitely interesting work.

I can't find a website for Philippe and I would welcome information from readers.

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A-Z of Fetish Artists - Paul (updated)

Paul - Caned in the Pillory

Another one off from my collection. The pillory is an alluring subject for fetish enthusiasts but it's rare to find successful images of it. This simple example works rather well, the device looks realistic and strong enough to restrain a struggling man and keep him in an awkward, vulnerable head-bowed position which is eminently suitable for caning. I like my fetish pictures (even cartoons) to feature red-blooded men, so the baby faced dom is a turn off, but the young captive trapped in the pillory is nicely drawn. His hairy, muscular arms reassure us he's well into manhood but the narrow hips and pert buns capture the lingering, slender, sexy awkwardness of youth. Some might prefer to see more flesh on view but for me his skinny-fit jeans enhance the bottom shape and together with the oversize shoes suggest a rebellious character. He probably deserves what he's getting.

Paul - Reformatory Caning

My thanks to James who responded to my plea for more samples of Paul's work, enabling me to add this extra example which is shows a wider skill set than the pillory scene above. It's full of energy and drama and involves a tricky perspective.
 His depiction of clothing with a few simple lines is rather impressive.

I can't find a website for Paul and I would welcome information from readers.

For earlier posts in this series click on the A-Z label below

A-Z of Fetish Artists - Patrick

Patrick - Keys

I know very little about this artist and this is the only picture I have by him. If you've seen my articles about men sharing clothes (click on 'sharing' in the label list) you don't need me to explain why I like it! Forced removal by a criminal adds a layer of spice.You can find more of his work at men in peril.

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A-Z of Fetish Artists - Paul Patterson

Paul Patterson - Bondage Present

I didn't expect Paul Patterson to figure on my list of fetish artists. I enjoy his humourous 'chocolate box' beefcake, his sensuous depictions of very handsome men. But a man tied up in silk ribbons doesn't really count as fetish, although I must admit this 'moment of release' is sensitively painted and full of resonance for most gay men.

Paul Patterson - Cricket

The second picture features quite a mix of not very subtle erotic symbolism, a remarkably handsome man holding a cricket bat as though it were a sword being unsheathed, his dangling belt (!) end is being tugged by a naked companion who kneels submissively, with his other hand hovering at thigh level. I've spoken of the potent symbolism of the kneeling servant in my Royale articles but there's also a sense of connection here to renaissance art in the slightly awed, devotional facial expression and the hand reaching out as if in blessing. This character could easily fit in amongst Michaelangelo's supporting cast of angels. It's also possible to read this scene more fetishistically (if there is such a word!) as a frail prisoner imploring his guard for mercy - it's not cricket, chaps!

Paul Patterson - On The Ropes

The Boxer on the ropes is another mildly fetishistic subject, suggesting sweaty humiliation and subjugation. It's a clever adaptation of a kneeling pose and who could not enjoy that restained muscular body and confused expression?

Paul Patterson - Bondage orgy (detail)

The final image is a detail from a larger picture, captive men are carried in over the shoulder and suspended in bondage from the ceiling, dripping with excitement. You can access the full picture at the website below.

The quality of Paul Patterson's imagery speaks for itself, although one of the pitfalls of the beautiful, near photographic finish is that 'the joins' between different picture elements are harder to conceal. Nevertheless a great gay illustrator with very acceptable fetish credentials.

There's an extensive gallery of Paul's work at DelftBoys

For earlier posts in this series click on the A-Z label below

A-Z of Fetish Artists - Palanca

Palanca - Cowboy Foot-love

Palanca is a prolific producer of imagery that primarily celebrates the worship of men's feet. This picture epitomises that fetish, the worshipper has even used a knife to access his object of desire, a hint of 'edge' that is not untypical of Palanca's work. As a 'clothes man' I love the Long Johns here. 

His work is often executed on paper designed for another purpose or on what appear to be the inside surfaces of opened out cardboard boxes where you can see the folds running across the picture (see below). He often uses caricature and grossly exaggerated features that sometimes 'out-dick' Tom of Finland at his most unsubtle. Nevertheless, Palanca's pictures are often intensely sexual and, in a strange way, very real.

Palanca - Kart boys

I have described his celebrated 'feet' predecessor, Etienne, as being able to depict feet that are more foot-like than the real thing. Palanca celebrates their clumsy, bony oddity, humorous rather than beautiful. 

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He has an uncanny ability to portray the essence of the Latin male in both appearance and personality. Good natured humour pours out of his pictures of smiling men, affectionate cameos of friends and depictions of playful couples like Kart boys above which must contain the subtlest groping ever!

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Palanca - 'Foot photographer'

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'Foot photographer' is pastoral in atmosphere, the childlike concentration of the photographer is mirrored in his buddy's fascinated exploration of his ass,while he affectionately squeezes his foot. The rich colouring and the treatment of the trees in the background shows a cultivated technique reminiscent of an old master painting and this theme continues in 'The Night Vincent Died' (below) where the background is a fascinating pastiche of Van Gogh's cornfields ,which tells you we are dealing with an intelligent and knowledgeable artist.

Palanca - The Night Vincent Died

This picture shows a different side to Palanca, a rough encounter where the interest in foot worship is not necessarily mutual. The awkward angling of the limbs in this composition, which expresses the aggression so well reminds me of the work of Neil Bruce. Van Gogh's circling birds take on a sinister air.

Palanca - 'Fixing around'

'Fixing around' is one of my favourites, the drama of the forced cock worship and the contrast between the muscular tough and his young, suited partner strikes you immediately. It's not clear if the young man's hands are bound or merely restrained by his own dishevelled shirt. His own tie has been looped over his assailants rigid cock and pulled tight, dramatically binding them together in a head-back pose that expresses 'cock domination' in a totally original way - it's far more effective than the traditional porn cliché of 'whack 'em in the face with it'.

The boys own tool strains against his underwear as his captor's extended foot explores his bare ass but this detail seems almost incidental. This slanting composition is beautifully put together, the angled walls imparting a tremendous sense of upward motion where the men come together. Further wildness and drama is provided by the billowing fabrics and shadows of carpentry tools.

It's a complex picture and I confess I have no idea what the title really means.

Palanca - 'Cowboy Poker Losers'

'Cowboy Poker Losers' is even better. The cowboy reclining in his chair and nonchalantly lighting up is a little gem of characterisation. Meanwhile two naked men kneel with hands tied behind their backs, concentrating hard on doing their best to service his prodigious cock and well worn boots. They are both handsome and full of youthful virility, making their humiliation all the more erotic. Palanca is good natured enough to show us they are excited by it themselves. I love the silky skin textures.

Any artist wanting to depict feet as a fetish will want to place them in the foreground like this and Palanca's execution of the tricky perspective involved is skilful and convincing. There's another example of that in the next picture.

Palanca - Rubber Squad

There is a darker side to Palanca, he has produced images depicting scat, mutilation and cannibalism, hanging, grotesque monsters and limbless devils, but for my final selection I have chosen an unconventional fetish image in which a rather stylish 'rubber squad' appear to be rescuing a man who is strapped down to an operating table and about to be injected from a hypodermic syringe by some villain.

Well I say rescued, but the rubber squad also take the opportunity to sample his wares and he doesn't look entirely happy about it. The charming notepaper on which the sketch is done provides a rather camp frame for the image which seems entirely appropriate.

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This selection is just a fraction of what I would have liked to discuss of Palanca's art which has many interesting facets. Light hearted on the surface, his work abounds with careful observation and social detail which is interesting and occasionally thought provoking - like his sketches of homeless men offering 'anything' for food. While caricature and sometimes grotesque distortion of the human body feature heavily his men are often beautiful and sexy and portrayed in a sensual, attractive way that makes you want to linger and lust. A rare talent.

Palanca has a blog called PalancaFeet which is a good starting point for exploring his work.

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For earlier posts in this series, click on 'A-Z' in the label list below or use the search box in the header to find your favourite artist.