Is it porn, or is it art? That’s the question visitors to Glenn Magallano’s first photography exhibit, “PORN or ART,” are (literally) asked to answer with two sets of stickers. The Davao-based photographer is breaking barriers and challenging the stigma by showcasing explicit images of male bodies.
“This exhibit and the photos were four years in the making, and for my very first, I opted for something different, something out of the ordinary—something that would raise eyebrows,” Glenn said.
Upon climbing the stairs to the second floor of La Herencia Davao for Glenn’s exhibit, I was introduced to several photos of naked upper bodies—nothing too explicit, but when I finally arrived on the floor, I was surrounded by several photographs of the male form, particularly the penis, with anonymous subjects.
The exhibit was somehow “a breath of fresh air,” as most nude art focuses on the female body. This time, penises of different shapes and sizes were the primary subject, some with subtle commentaries to instant gratification habits (like those printed in Mcdonald’s or Minute Burger paper bags).
Glenn’s exhibit would surely evoke mixed reactions, from bewilderment to disgust and curiosity to enjoyment (?) The photographs have already ignited sticker debates on whether one was porn or art.
For Glenn, the deliberate provocation of his exhibit isn’t merely to shock. It is intertwined with a critical public initiative, especially since the Philippines is currently facing a staggering 500% surge in HIV positive cases. In partnership with LoveYourself Inc., the exhibit aims to dismantle stigma and raise awareness about prevention tools like PrEP and art’s role in accepting uncomfortable truths.
I talked to Glenn about the inception of his first exhibit and the juxtaposition of his explicit R-18 showcase while advocating for safe sex practices.
The Pop Blog: What sparked the genesis of your exhibit PORN or ART? Are there specific experiences or observations that led you to photograph the male form?
Glenn: I have witnessed colleagues and friends suffer from HIV and lose their lives because they got tested late. That’s where I felt sorry and regret for their wasted potential and talents. They were so good in their crafts and endeavors, but too young to be gone. At the onset, this exhibit was organized to raise awareness and encourage people to get tested as early as possible.
The Pop Blog: Every inch of your exhibit is provocative. What’s your intention behind its title, especially since it’s dichotomous? What do you want to achieve by asking visitors to categorize your photos as either porn or art?
Glenn: Aside from the advocacy, I am also curious about how people would react to seeing nude photos. I wanted the exhibit to be as bold as the title, test the waters, and gasp at how people in Davao would react to taboos.
The Pop Blog: Your models’ faces are hidden, but their genitals are shown. Is there a significance to the anonymity of your models in your artistic vision?
Glenn: Since our models are from the Alter Community, we need to protect their identities, but we would still like to show how fierce they are online. They are the most vulnerable to HIV.
The Pop Blog: What other themes do you want to highlight through the photos? Is it like identity, vulnerability, masculinity, etc.?
Glenn: I wanted to showcase different body types and personalities and encourage everyone to express more of themselves. It is liberating once we are able to do the things we love.
The Pop Blog: How did you find your models? Can you walk me through the process? How did you build trust and rapport with them, and how did it influence the results of the photos?
Glenn: I met my models in X and the yellow app after posting about this cause. Some voluntarily messaged me to join the cause, and some I personally messaged and invited to do the shoot.
The Pop Blog: The 500% surge of HIV cases in the Philippines, with Davao being #4, was mentioned during your opening. How does your art respond to the alarming statistic?
Glenn: The vulgarity of the exhibit is my response to the statistics. For me, it is high time to be hard on the approach in terms of education. We need to show the vulnerabilities, the realities in the community, the strong visuals that would spark even the tiniest spark of interest.
The Pop Blog: So you’ve partnered with LoveYourself Inc. to provide free testing, counseling, and the distribution of barrier contraceptives. Beyond this partnership and the ongoing discussions about protection and self-love, how do you view your art as a tool for health advocacy and awareness? There’s a bit of a contradiction here, like you might be promoting impulsive, anonymous sexual encounters. Were the photos printed on a McDonald’s paper bag a comment on instant gratification, disposable intimacy, or perfunctory sexual acts?
Glenn: It is the reality in the alter community and hook-up culture. You can have sex with a stranger after minutes of exchanging messages. Some bios would say: Horny Online, Bored, Avail Now, so just like the takeout bags, you can have your impulse in a snap. Fast food kung baga. This is where unprotected sex comes in.
We cannot control people. Yes, we can convince them to change behaviors but it would take time. If they are doing it now, the chance to get infected is also now. So the best thing we can do is to give them a shield so they stay protected while we are working on the changing there perspective.
The Pop Blog: Your exhibit features explicit art and there’s a stigma behind it, especially since most of the penises were erect. What challenges have you encountered in organizing the whole exhibit? How do you also take criticism or misinterpretations of your art?
Glenn: One of the struggles is how to censor them more creatively. For criticism, I just prepared myself for the harsh takes. All photos depend on the viewer’s interpretation. If I am open to this kind of genre, I am also open to different perspectives, even if they are against mine. At least we are able to talk about it.
The Pop Blog: What conversations do you want your exhibit to spark? What lasting impact do you want it to have in Davao and even the Philippines?
Glenn: Well, I really want to say that we have this hook-up culture and an alter community, and we need to acknowledge that they exist. Your friends, brothers, sisters, classmates, colleagues, etc., might be in these communities. We need to educate them on how to protect themselves and their partners against the virus.
The Pop Blog: You just created work that pushes boundaries and shows your vulnerability. What has been most rewarding so far in this journey?
Glenn: The most rewarding part is that Sir Rob (of La Herencia Davao) allowed me to have a venue for this bold exhibition. I have been rejected many times when proposing this project. Finally, someone believed in me and my cause.
The Pop Blog: Let’s talk about your future projects. Are there any other aspects of sexuality, intimacy, and the queer experience that you want to feature or explore?
Glenn: I believe I will always carry this advocacy. I am open to any possibilities the future would bring. I am also excited about the media that I will be using. The process of doing this exhibition gave me so many ideas on how I would like to present my work in the future.
The Pop Blog: What is porn and what is art for you? Please define each.
Glenn: Art for me is presenting anything most delicately. Porn is when you give in to the satisfaction.
The Pop Blog: Do you have a message to send to your audience, both those you want to invite and those who have already visited your exhibit?
Glenn: Thank you very much for the support. I hope I have planted the seed of curiosity about how to be safe against HIV and creative in the most peculiar ways. For those who are coming, this is something you would not expect, so bring your peers so you can laugh together at what you will witness.
Glenn Magallano’s PORN or ART? Exploring the Fine Line and Urgency of Protection Photo exhibit will run at the La Herencia Davao until June 22, 2025, from 1-8 pm.
NeP-C Ledesma is a millennial writer and entrepreneur full of curiosity about our abstract world. She devours Psychology, food, Philosophy, and prefer cats as her all-time company. Pop Culture is her kryptonite.