Joss Copeman’s work considers queer politics, notions of the self and consumption in post-capitalist society. Using primarily lens-based methods such as fine-art photographic practice, vernacular photography and computer scans, Joss places himself in many of his images, bringing into question and mocking the ways in which we present ourselves.
In Aquaphilia Artefacts, the work is centred around the map of Cardiff, where Joss has placed all the known gay cruising locations along the River Taff, based around the concept of aquaphilia; a phenomenon associated with deriving pleasure from water based sexual acts. Througout the project, Joss investigates this alongside his own identity as a practitioner, the semantics of colour and our consumerist custom as a society. Additionally, the work questions our internal ideas of acceptance and rebirth, framing this in a religious context. Taking inspiration from documentary based practice, the work is a selection of artefacts, allowing the book to act as a scientific report of sorts.
