Urban Legends
“Urban Legends” gay photo series
This quote was my biggest inspiration for creation of “Urban Legends” gay photo series: “In a decaying society, art, if it is truthful, must also reflect decay. And unless it wants to break faith with its social function, art must show the world as changeable. And help to change it.”
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The gay photo series “Urban Legend” was conceived as a vibrant reimagining of post‑punk figures set against decaying urban backdrops. While the use of ruin and decay is not new within LGBTQ+ photo art, Dmitriy Gushchin takes the concept a step further—transforming these desolate environments into magical, surreal realms. In his vision, the remnants of collapse become luminous stages, serving as backcloths for fervent spectacles of queer identity and resilience.
Through this series, Dmitriy reclaims spaces of abandonment and imbues them with color, energy, and mythic presence. The work challenges viewers to see beauty in decay, to recognize transformation in ruin, and to witness how queer creativity can turn even the most fractured landscapes into sites of liberation and spectacle.
A limited selection from Dmitriy Gushchin’s “Urban Legend” series is available here, inviting audiences to step into this surreal fusion of post‑punk aesthetics and queer mythmaking.
Although many of the images created by Boston-based gay photo artist Dmitriy Gushchin have been banned by Instagram and other platforms under the label of “containing nudity,” Dmitriy views this as part of a broader pattern of anti-LGBTQ censorship. What began as his visionary series “Obscure Dream Liberation” has unexpectedly evolved into what he now calls the “Instagram Nightmare”—a confrontation with the limits imposed on queer artistic expression in digital spaces.
At present, Dmitriy’s Instagram account is “shadow blocked,” appearing private to non-subscribers and restricting visibility of his work. Yet this suppression only underscores the urgency of defending LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression. Art should never be silenced for its honesty, vulnerability, or celebration of queer identity.
By subscribing and following accounts like Dmitriy’s, you stand in solidarity with queer artists who refuse to be erased. He is not alone—this is a collective struggle, and every voice matters. Together, we can resist censorship and affirm the power of queer creativity.
You can read more in the article linked below.
You can check the article by clicking the link: https://www.advocate.com/business/instagram-shadowbanning-lgbtq-content . Please support your favorited gay photographer and LGBTQ photo artist community by expressing your opinion to Instagram and other anti-gay social networks. Your opinion hopefully can make the difference!
Diversion
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer I noticed that most of the art shows today avoid LGBTQ+ imagery especially of erotic nature. In my view as gay photo artist, LGBTQ+ issues are human issues and I want to talk about them in my photo art. Diversion is a trilling image diving deep into human subconscious. The photo of abandoned building is from Pattaya (Thailand), the photos of my models were taken in Boston (US) and Bangkok (Thailand)
Price Apple
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer This composite gay photo is about my friend's obsession with apples in a realm of magic realism.
Batman Forever
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer This is a composite portrait of my friend who is fascinated with abandoned "Disco Batman" in Pattaya, Thailand.
Life on Mars
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer
Down the Rabbit Hole
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer This composite image is a modern interpretation of Alice in Wonderland. Dodo bird represents the author of the book Lewis Carroll who was a prominent photographer of his time. The elements of the room were taken in Pattaya (Thailand), Paris (France) and New York, the photos of the models and objects are from Boston, New York and Paris.
Tete-A-Tete
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer I noticed that most of the art shows today avoid LGBTQ+ imagery especially of erotic nature. In my view as gay photo artist, LGBTQ+ issues are human issues and I want to talk about them in my art. This is my way to cherish, protect, support and my love expression to bravery and uniqueness of each and every LGBTQ+ member. The photos of my models (including self modeling) are from New York and Bangkok, Thailand.
Alice in Wonderland
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer This modern interpretation of Alice in Wonderland is my representation of a political struggle of LGBTQ+ international community in a modern hostile political environment. My model posed for me in Boston, the photo if the abandoned building is from Pattaya, Thailand.
Magic Lamp
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer
KINKS
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer This composite photograph is my exploration of the fetish side of LGBTQ+ lifestyle.
Magic Trick
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer This composite photo is my parody of magic shows in imaginary surreal settings.
Disco Fever
Dmitriy Gushchin photographer
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Queer Mystical Tarot Series
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Urban Legends
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Atomic Heart Series
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